Status of Strongyloidiasis in Japan, 2000-2017

• Published in: The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene 2020-08, Vol.103 (2), p.727-734
• Main Authors: Ikuno, Hiroshi, Ishikawa, Takashi, Norose, Kazumi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ancylostomiasis - epidemiology; Animals; Ascariasis - epidemiology; Ascaris lumbricoides; Female; Humans; Japan - epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Parasitic diseases; Strongyloides stercoralis; Strongyloidiasis - epidemiology; Trichuriasis - epidemiology; Trichuris; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0002-9637; 1476-1645
• DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0969

We reported 865 cases of soil-transmitted nematodiasis occurring in Japan during 2000-2017. The predominant nematode was ( = 279, 32.3% of all cases), and other species included (30.7%), (23.1%), and spp. (13.9%). was detected primarily in patients in Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures, which are in the south of Japan and are endemic areas for this parasitic infection, and also in about half of the prefectures of all Japan. At least 15.5 cases of strongyloidiasis occurred on average each year. The period incidence rate of strongyloidiasis cases relative to the total population of Japan was 0.012 cases per 10 person-years. The male-to-female ratio was 2.1. The average age was 75.1 ± 16.9 years, and 96.1% of patients were older than 50 years. Several reasons may explain why this previously non-endemic outside of Okinawa region, serious nematode disease is now found in much of Japan, including the increased number of transmigration and sightseeing trips in Japan, use of immunosuppressive drugs, and lack of awareness of the risks. Thus, information of strongyloidiasis and its risks must be disseminated to travelers, residents, and physicians to prevent this life-threatening parasite infection.