The Unwelcome Guest: Strongyloides stercoralis Hyperinfection in a Patient With Steroid-Dependent Asthma–COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS)—A Case Report and Review of Literature

TL;DR

A patient with steroid-dependent asthma-COPD overlap developed a severe Strongyloides infection, leading to respiratory failure, but recovered after targeted treatment.

Contribution

This case report highlights a rare manifestation of Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection in a steroid-dependent ACOS patient.

Findings

Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection caused acute respiratory failure in a patient on chronic corticosteroids.

Dual antiparasitic therapy with ivermectin and albendazole led to successful recovery.

High mortality rates in untreated Strongyloides hyperinfection underscore the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract

Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted roundworm nematode estimated to affect over 600 million people worldwide. Hyperinfection syndrome (HS) has been described in immunosuppressed patients. Our case highlights a rare manifestation of HS due to Strongyloides stercoralis causing acute respiratory failure in an asthma–COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) patient on chronic corticosteroid therapy. A 63-year-old woman with diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder due to chronic cigarette smoking, and severe asthma on chronic prednisone therapy presented with recurrent intractable abdominal pain and shortness of breath. The patient underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) showing friable mucosa returning positive for Strongyloides stercoralis infection. The patient deteriorated with progressive acute hypoxic respiratory failure and acute metabolic encephalopathy requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. Dual antiparasitic therapy with ivermectin and albendazole was initiated, and the patient was treated for septic shock. The patient was successfully extubated and was discharged from the hospital to a rehabilitation center without steroid therapy. Due to the classic transmission and life cycle of the filiform larvae, the lungs are target organs in HS. The mortality of Strongyloides HS ranges from 85% to 100% when untreated. HS due to Strongyloides stercoralis carries a high risk for disseminated infection in patients with chronic steroids. High index of suspicion, tissue sample, and prompt institution of target therapy institutions are key for a successful clinical outcome.

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