Strongyloides stercoralis: the cause of an urticarial-like eruption of 65 years' duration

Article Abstract:

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal parasite common to the regions of Southeast Asia and Southeastern United States. This organism causes a characteristic rash described as an urticarial-like eruption. S. stercoralis can cause autoinfection, i.e. infection by an organism that already exists in the body. A 74-year-old woman with a history of skin eruptions since childhood and gastrointestinal problems was diagnosed as having a chronic infection with S. stercoralis. The parasite causes its infection by penetrating the skin and invading the intestines, where it hatches larvae, which continue the cycle when they reenter the bloodstream. The autoinfection is the cause of the chronic nature of the disease. The patient lived in Southeast Asia before moving to England and finally Canada. Her skin symptoms began as hives, swellings, and giant urticaria, with the lesions being seen at various times in all parts of her body. A duodenal string test revealed what other stool searches for parasites did not, the definite presence of the parasite, S. stercoralis. The patient was treated with an antiparasitic agent and her symptoms resolved. On follow-up two years later there was no recurrence of the dermatologic or gastrointestinal symptoms. It is interesting to note that the patient lived 65 years with the infection before it was diagnosed and treated. Parasitic infections can often be confused with other conditions. It is often difficult to detect the parasite in stool using standard examinations and the duodenal string test utilized in this patient is regarded as the simplest method of detection. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Diagnosis, Causes of, Urticaria, Hives (Disease), Strongyloidiasis, Strongyloides stercoralis

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The histopathology of the testis and epididymis in AIDS - a post-mortem study

Article Abstract:

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be transmitted sexually and is present in sperm. Changes in the genital system of infected males have been found. The testis and epididymis (the excretory duct from the testis, which carries sperm) were examined in 31 patients who died from AIDS. Abnormalities in the testis were seen in the majority of the patients. The testis contained abnormal fibrous material in 22 cases and thickening of the membranes of the tubules in 21 cases. The epididymis was normal in the majority of the patients, but was blocked in five cases, two of which showed the presence of the cytomegalovirus, a common opportunistic infection in AIDS. All the cases showed abnormal maturation of sperm, with maturation arrested at one of two particular stages, leading to infertility. No evidence of chronic inflammation was found, which has been found in other studies. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Abnormalities, Diseases, Gay men, Anatomy, Anatomical specimens, Anatomy, Pathological

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