Status of Strongyloidiasis in Japan, 2000–2017

Abstract

We reported 865 cases of soil-transmitted nematodiasis occurring in Japan during 2000-2017. The predominant nematode was Strongyloides stercoralis (n = 279, 32.3% of all cases), and other species included Ascaris lumbricoides (30.7%), Trichuris trichiura (23.1%), and Ancylostomidae spp. (13.9%). Strongyloides stercoralis was detected primarily in patients in Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures, which are in the south of Japan and are endemic areas for this parasitic infection, and also in about half of the prefectures of all Japan. At least 15.5 cases of strongyloidiasis occurred on average each year. The period incidence rate of strongyloidiasis cases relative to the total population of Japan was 0.012 cases per 10 5 person-years. The male-to-female ratio was 2.1. The average age was 75.1 ± 16.9 years, and 96.1% of patients were older than 50 years. Several reasons may explain why this previously non-endemic outside of Okinawa region, serious nematode disease is now found in much of Japan, including the increased number of transmigration and sightseeing trips in Japan, use of immunosuppressive drugs, and lack of awareness of the risks. Thus, information of strongyloidiasis and its risks must be disseminated to travelers, residents, and physicians to prevent this life-threatening parasite infection.

The effect of infectious diseases on lung transplantation in Japan

“…Between 2000 to 2017, 279 cases of S . stercoralis cases have been identified ( 86 ). The period incidence rate of the total population was 0.012 cases per 100,000 person-years ( 86 ).…”

“…stercoralis cases have been identified ( 86 ). The period incidence rate of the total population was 0.012 cases per 100,000 person-years ( 86 ). Most patients were reported from Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures, located in Southern Japan, endemic for this pathogen ( 86 ).…”

The current status of neglected tropical diseases in Japan: A scoping review

“…This group includes ascariasis, ancylostomiasis, necatoriasis, trichuriasis, and strongyloidiasis. The annual cases of soil-transmitted helminthiases have decreased in the last decades, except for strongyloidiasis, which has been constantly found in Japan [129,278].…”

“…It potentially leads to life-threatening events such as hyperinfection syndrome and disseminated strongyloidiasis, particularly in immunocompromised patients. In Japan, strongyloidiasis cases are reported nationwide but are more likely to be found in people over 50 years of age, especially in subtropical areas of Okinawa and Kagoshima Prefectures [129]. The prevalence in endemic areas PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES is estimated to reach 18.7% [130].…”

Successful Prompt Diagnosis of Strongyloidiasis in an Outpatient Setting at Amami Oshima Island in Japan: A Case Report

“…As sanitary conditions have improved, people no longer enter fields barefoot, and the use of human waste as fertilizer has been banned in Japan. However, the disease has become more prevalent among older people taking immunosuppressive medications who reside in the subtropical regions of Okinawa and Amami islands, where there is a lack of awareness, resulting in delayed diagnosis and life-threatening disease, even if treatable [ 5 ].…”