Epidemiological Study of Strongyloidiasis
in a Romanian Child Care Unit
Tudor Rareş O. Olariu1 and Ildikó Andrea Koreck2
Departments of 1Parasitology and
2 Immunology, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
Corresponding author: Tudor Rareş Olariu, MD, PhD,
Department of Parasitology “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Piaţa Eftimie Murgu nr. 2
RO-1900 Timişoara, Romania
Telephone: +40-723-371-551
E-mail address: rolariu@umft.ro
CEJOEM 2002, Vol.8. No.2–3.:194–198
Key words:
Strongyloides stercoralis, strongyloidiasis, eosinophilia, HIV, parasitic infections, institutionalized children
Abstract:
The prevalence of strongyloidiasis in a Romanian child care unit was evaluated. Complete
physical and stool examination was performed on 148 institutionalized children. Stool samples were
examined using the iodine stain technique, the Willis Hung method and the coil culture method.
Strongyloides stercoralis was identified in 28 cases representing a prevalence of 18.91%.
S. stercoralis was especially frequent in children with HIV infection. Of the children with
strongyloidiasis, 18 were also infected with other parasites (Giardia intestinalis,
Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis or Hymenolepis nana). Eosinophilia was
found in 64,28% of the patients with strongyloidiasis. The most frequent symptoms of
strongyloidiasis-positive patients were diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia, weight loss, urticaria
and nervous disorders. In conclusion it is suggested that strongyloidiasis with eosinophilia,
digestive and cutaneous manifestations is a frequent parasitic disease among children with HIV infection.
Received: 3 July 2002
Accepted: 16 October 2002
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