Resumen

PEREZ, Félix et al. Multiple-organ dysfunction caused by dissemination of Strongyloides stercoralis infection: A case report. Rev. chil. infectol. [online]. 2012, vol.29, n.3, pp. 344-347. ISSN 0716-1018.  doi: 10.4067/S0716-10182012000300016.

We report here the case of a 50-year-old male patient, from a rural setting, with past history of alcoholism. He was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit due to a worsening health status after a febrile syndrome of 25 days. In addition, he had diarrhea, intense muscle ache predominantly on upper extremities and abdomen, weight loss, confusion, seizures, psychomotor agitation, tachycardia, tachipnea, anuria, septic shock, coma, and multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome. The hyperinfection syndrome caused by Strongyloides stercoralis was suspected because of severe eosinophilia (52 percent of peripheral blood leukocytes). This diagnosis was verified by the parasitological examination of stool samples by direct wet mount and Baermann techniques. Treatment with thiabendazole at 25 mg/kg per day was started, as well as cefepime, vasoactive drugs, artificial mechanic ventilation, and hemodialysis. The patient died 12 hours after admission, probably due to secondary infection with Escherichia coli.

Palabras clave : Disseminated strongyloidiasis; alcoholism; multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome; septic shock.