Strongyloidiasis in Assam, India: A community-based study

BACKGROUND: Strongyloidiasis is endemic in many tropical and subtropical countries and reports from northeast India are very few. AIM: A community-based study was carried out in Assam, India, to find out the occurrence of Strongyloides stercoralis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stool samples were obtained from 198 randomly selected individuals from the community. Samples were processed using direct microscopy with formal-ether concentration methods. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Seventeen numbers of samples showed the presence of Strongyloides stercoralis (8.5%). A total of 105 (53%) individuals were positive for at least one intestinal parasite. The other intestinal parasites detected were Ascaris lumbricoides (33.3%), Trichuris trichiura (9.1%), hookworm (7.1%), Enterobius vermicularis (1.5%), and Giardia cyst (1.5%). Five out of 17 individuals positive for S.stercoralis had associated gastrointestinal, respiratory, and/or cutaneous symptoms.The present study although not exhaustive for true prevalence calls for attention in the backdrop of high malnutrition and pulmonary tuberculosis.