Nephrotic Syndrome in Strongyloidiasis: Remission after Eradication with Anthelmintic Agents

Abstract

Strongyloides stercoralis infection is known to be important because of its potential for life-threatening disseminated infection in immunosuppressed hosts. Apart from direct invasion into nearly every organ in systemic infection, evidence suggests that immunological reaction also plays a role in the pathogenesis of the disease, including both uncomplicated and disseminated infections. However, Strongyloides-related glomerulonephritis has not been well documented. We present a case of steroid- and cyclophosphamide-resistant nephrotic syndrome complicated by disseminated strongyloidiasis which responded to anthelmintic agents. The remission of nephrotic syndrome after treatment of Strongyloides infection strongly suggests the possibility of Strongyloides-associated glomerulonephritis. Nephrotic patients in endemic areas of Strongyloides infection should have the differential white cell count checked. Strongyloides infection should be ruled out in patients with eosinophilia before immunosuppressants are initiated to prevent the complication of disseminated strongyloidiasis.