Jose Antonio Soler-Simón, Álvaro Díaz Conradi, María Del Mar Santos Sebastián, María Espiau, Antoni Soriano-Arandes, Alicia Hernanz Lobo, Sara Guillén, Cristina Epalza, Cinta Moraleda, Manuel Oltra Benavent, Anna Vidal-Moreso, Filip Camil Olteanu Olteanu, Marta García Ascaso, Fernando Salvador, Milagros García López-Hortelano
One-fourth of cases were authochthonous, so screening should not be limited to migrant children. Mild eosinophilia could help to detect asymptomatic cases.
BACKGROUND: Data about pediatric strongyloidiasis are scarce in our setting.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter registry of cases of pediatric strongyloidiasis in Spain.
RESULTS: Among 138 cases, 76% were travelers/migrants. Overall, 32% were symptomatic, and 35% had eosinophilia (higher in symptomatic patients, P < 0.05). Confirmed diagnosis occurred in 10% (stool polymerase chain reaction), while 90% were probable (serology). Ivermectin was the first therapy (98%). Adequate follow-up after treatment was achieved in only 36%.
CONCLUSIONS: One-fourth of cases were authochthonous, so screening should not be limited to migrant children. Mild eosinophilia could help to detect asymptomatic cases.