Imported strongyloidiasis: Data from 1245 cases registered in the +REDIVI Spanish Collaborative Network (2009-2017).

• Main Authors: Fernando Salvador, Begoña Treviño, Sandra Chamorro-Tojeiro, Adrián Sánchez-Montalvá, Juan María Herrero-Martínez, Azucena Rodríguez-Guardado, Núria Serre-Delcor, Diego Torrús, Josune Goikoetxea, Zuriñe Zubero, María Velasco, Elena Sulleiro, Israel Molina, Rogelio López-Vélez, José Antonio Pérez-Molina, on behalf the +REDIVI Collaborative Network
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2019-05-01
• Series: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0007399
• ISSN: 1935-2727; 1935-2735

<h4>Background</h4>Imported strongyloidiasis is increasingly being diagnosed in non-endemic areas. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients with imported strongyloidiasis in Spain.<h4>Methodology</h4>This is an observational retrospective study that included all patients diagnosed of strongyloidiasis registered in the +REDIVI Collaborative Network from 2009 to 2017. Demographic, epidemiological and clinical information was collected from the +REDIVI database, and extra information regarding microbiological techniques, treatment and follow-up was requested to participant centers.<h4>Findings</h4>Overall, 1245 cases were included. Most of them were immigrants (66.9%), and South America was the most frequent area of origin. Detection of larvae in stool samples was observed in 21.9% of the patients, and serological tests allowed making the diagnosis in the rest of the cases. Eosinophilia was present in 82.2% of cases. Treatment with ivermectin (compared with albendazole) was the most strongly associated factor to achieve the cure (OR 2.34).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Given the long latency of the infection and the risk of developing a severe presentation, screening of S. stercoralis infection should be mandatory in patients coming from or had traveling to endemic areas, especially in those with immunosuppressant conditions.