Strongyloides Antibody, IgG, Serum (LAB000, MayoID: STRNG)
Both serology and ova and parasite exam can aid in the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis.
- Strongyloides stercoralis is the most common cause of strongyloidiasis and is found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Areas with the highest rates of seropositivity include Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. Strongyloides spp. are parasitic nematodes, which are soil-transmitted through direct inoculation by penetration of the skin by the larval form.
- Acute infections are characterized by pruritic, erythematous rash, cough, tracheal irritation, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Chronic strongyloidiasis is classically asymptomatic, however in immunocompromised individuals, hyperinfection syndrome and disseminated strongyloidiasis can occur and are associated with high mortality.
- Diagnosis of acute infections, hyperinfection syndrome or disseminated strongyloidiasis requires direct identification of the larvae via stool or histology. Serologic testing is available but is best used for screening and alone does not provide definitive diagnostic evidence.
- Ova and parasite exam can be performed on stool and respiratory specimens for diagnosis of strongyloidiasis.
- Repeat stool ova and parasite examination is often necessary for improved sensitivity.
- Serologic testing is useful for screening purposes in high-risk patients or those who are candidates for immunocompromising therapy. Patients with positive serologies should be treated.
- There is no gold standard for diagnosis. Multiple testing modalities are recommended when there is a high clinical suspicion.
- Ova and parasite examination as well as Strongyloides serologies are send-out tests with increased turnaround times.
- “CDC – Dpdx – Strongyloidiasis.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 July 2019, www.cdc.gov/dpdx/strongyloidiasis/index.html.
- Requena-Méndez, A., Chiodini, P., Bisoffi, Z., Buonfrate, D., Gotuzzo, E., & Muñoz, J. (2013). The laboratory diagnosis and follow up of strongyloidiasis: a systematic review. PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 7(1), e2002.
Written By: Katherine Williams, MD
Reviewed By: Rebekah Dumm, PhD
Last Edited: 2024-12-04
Last Reviewed: 2024-12-04