Fatal Strongyloides hyperinfection in a case of adenocarcinoma lung

Abstract

Routine cytologic evaluation of sputum from an elderly male patient clinically suspected to have acute bronchopneumonia and gastroenteritis, revealed abundant malignant cells classified as adenocarcinoma and numerous larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis which were also identified subsequently in stool examination. The patient died soon after admission. The clinical manifestations and fatal course are compatible with a S. stercoralis hyperinfection syndrome resulting from the cachexia, malnutrition and depressed immunity associated with the lung carcinoma.