A study of eighty-five cases of Strovgyloides stercoralis infection, with special reference to abdominal pain

Abstract 1. 1. An analysis of eighty-five cases of Strongyloides stercoralis infection is presented. Diagnosis was proved in each case by stool examination. 2. 2. Among etiological factors studied it was found that there was a marked predominance in the male sex, in the white race, and in the second, third and fourth decades of life. Seasonal distribution and occupation appear to be of some significance. 3. 3. The most frequent presenting complaint was abdominal pain. Diarrhoea was less common. 4. 4. The history revealed that in addition to abdominal distress and diarrhoea nausea and vomiting, headache, anorexia, loss of weight, weakness, malaise, constipation, distension and flatulence were frequent symptoms. 5. 5. Physical examination revealed localized abdominal tenderness in 34·1 per cent. of the cases. Fever above 101°F. was infrequent. 6. 6. Laboratory studies showed three of the thirteen cases with hypochlorhydria, a moderate secondary anemia, rarely leucocytosis, and an average of 8·6 per cent. eosinophils in forty-seven cases. 7. 7. The diagnosis of Strongyloides infection must be considered in all cases presenting abdominal distress, vague dyspepsia, diarrhoea or eosinophilia. Stool examination most cases will readily exclude this condition.