Concurrent infection of a young tourist by hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis during low budget travel in Southeast Asia

• Published in: Helminthologia 2018-06, Vol.55 (2), p.166-172
• Main Authors: Wesołowska, M., Rymer, W., Kicia, M., Popiołek, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case Report; Concurrent infection; Diarrhea; Eosinophilia; hookworms; Immunocompromised hosts; Indigenous peoples; Infections; Intestine; Intestines; Larvae; Lungs; Parasites; Physicians; Skin; Soil; soil-transmitted helminths; Strongyloides; Strongyloides stercoralis; Strongyloidiasis; Tourists; Tropical climate; Tropical environment; Tropical environments
• ISSN: 0440-6605; 1336-9083
• DOI: 10.2478/helm-2018-0007

Strongyloidiasis and hookworm infections are neglected helminth diseases widespread in tropical and subtropical areas. In humans, particularly in immunocompromised patients infections potentially may lead to the life-threatening clinical conditions involving the respiratory as well as gastrointestinal systems. The increased number of tourists travelling to tropical regions is associated with more frequent infection with parasites such as and hookworm. The infection takes place when filariform larvae penetrate the skin exposed to soil, than migrate through the lungs and finally reach the intestine. Travelers are often not aware of how they could get infected. Physicians may suspect strongyloidiasis and hookworm infections in tourists with diarrhea returning from endemic areas, especially when an elevated eosinophilia is observed. In the literature there are many reports about the presence of parasites in indigenous communities, but very few are available regarding travelers. This paper describes a dual infection with hookworm and in a young female tourist returning from Southeast Asia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of hookworm and infection in a tourist from Europe, acquired in an endemic area.