[A rare cause of asthma exacerbation: systemic anguilluliasis]

Rev Mal Respir. 2000 Feb;17(1):99-102.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Strongyloides is an helminthic infection that may induce bronchospasm during systemic migration of larvae. We report a case of a 60 years old man originating from Caribbean who had corti-codependent asthma since 30 years. He was hospitalized for severe exacerbation that worsen when steroid dosage was increase. Sputum examination revealed the presence in great number of Larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis. A good clinical evolution was achieved after specific anti-helminthic treatment. Later on, it was even possible to stop completely steroid treatment. This clinical case demonstrates the interest to look for Strongyloides superinfection in asthmatic patients that worsen when receiving increasing dose of steroids. This is particularly important for patients who have resided, even many years earlier, in areas where intestinal helminthic infection are endemic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antinematodal Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antinematodal Agents / pharmacology
  • Antinematodal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Asthma / complications*
  • Asthma / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Strongyloides stercoralis / drug effects
  • Strongyloides stercoralis / growth & development
  • Strongyloidiasis / complications*
  • Strongyloidiasis / diagnosis
  • Strongyloidiasis / drug therapy
  • Thiabendazole / administration & dosage
  • Thiabendazole / pharmacology
  • Thiabendazole / therapeutic use
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antinematodal Agents
  • Prednisolone
  • Thiabendazole