Detection of Live Strongyloides Larvae in Bronchoalveolar Lavage of a Renal Transplant Recipient: A Case Report

Strongyloidiasis is an opportunistic parasitic infection that can cause life-threatening hyperinfection in immunocompromised patients. We report a case of a 36-year-old renal allograft recipient who developed gastrointestinal symptoms and progressive respiratory failure approximately four weeks post-transplantation. Direct wet-mount microscopy of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) revealed numerous live, motile Strongyloides larvae. Pre-transplant screening records for the recipient and donor were unavailable. Despite intensive supportive care measures, the patient succumbed to fulminant infection. This case highlights the importance of pre-transplant risk assessment and Strongyloides screening in both renal transplant recipients and donors, and the diagnostic value of direct microscopy when hyperinfection is suspected.