Strongyloides stercoralis

Strongyloides (Dwarf tapeworm) is a roundworm that mainly occurs in tropical areas of the world; southeastern USA, Central and South America, Africa and in Asia but also in southern Europe.

This parasite enters through the skin of the person and migrates around the body through the bloodstream from the intestine up to the lungs. Depending on the parasite load and the state of the immune system this infection can cause milder symptoms but Strongyloides can also create so-called hyperinfections in more rare cases this happens as the worms spread into the body’s tissues with more serious symptoms as a result.

More common symptoms of infection with Strongyloides can be respiratory symptoms; coughing with wheezing, skin symptoms; itching and abdominal discomfort with vomiting and diarrhea.