| 释义 |
DictionarySeethreadwormStrongyloides stercoralis
Strongyloides stercoralisA roundworm that causes gastrointestinal infections (primarily in persons from developing nations) and opportunistic infections (in immunosuppressed patients). It may occasionally be life-threatening. In the U.S., S. stercoralis is found mainly in the rural South. The ova hatch in the intestines of the host, and rod-shaped larvae are passed in the stool. In the soil, these may develop into adults and continue their life cycle or may metamorphose into filariform larvae that can infect humans. The filariform larvae enter the skin, pass through the venous system to the lungs, where they migrate upward and are swallowed. A rash or pneumonia may accompany their migration. The larvae mature in the intestine, and ova of the next generation hatch. The rod-shaped larvae may metamorphose into the filariform larvae in the intestine. These may enter the circulation, migrate to the lungs, and begin the cycle again. Such auto-infection may be sufficient to cause overwhelming systemic infection with fever, severe abdominal pain, shock, and possibly death. Severe reactions are more likely to occur in immunosuppressed patients. The diagnosis is made by finding larvae in the patient's feces. Thiabendazole and mebendazole are the drugs of choice. Repeated courses of treatment may be required. See also: Strongyloides |