Strongyloides stercoralis: Global Distribution and Risk Factors

Abstract

BackgroundThe soil-transmitted threadworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, is one of the most neglected among the so-called neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). We reviewed studies of the last 20 years on S. stercoralis's global prevalence in general populations and risk groups.Methods/Principal FindingsA literature search was performed in PubMed for articles published between January 1989 and October 2011. Articles presenting information on infection prevalence were included. A Bayesian meta-analysis was carried out to obtain country-specific prevalence estimates and to compare disease odds ratios in different risk groups taking into account the sensitivities of the diagnostic methods applied. A total of 354 studies from 78 countries were included for the prevalence calculations, 194 (62.4%) were community-based studies, 121 (34.2%) were hospital-based studies and 39 (11.0%) were studies on refugees and immigrants. World maps with country data are provided. In numerous African, Asian and South-American resource-poor countries, information on S. stercoralis is lacking. The meta-analysis showed an association between HIV-infection/alcoholism and S. stercoralis infection (OR: 2.17 BCI: 1.18–4.01; OR: 6.69; BCI: 1.47–33.8), respectively.ConclusionsOur findings show high infection prevalence rates in the general population in selected countries and geographical regions. S. stercoralis infection is prominent in several risk groups. Adequate information on the prevalence is still lacking from many countries. However, current information underscore that S. stercoralis must not be neglected. Further assessments in socio-economic and ecological settings are needed and integration into global helminth control is warranted.

Strongyloides stercoralis seroprevalence in Vietnam

“…A larger proportion of male adults than female adults was found, which may reflect differences in professional daily activities and hygiene practices or the targeting of females with health interventions. Both findings are in keeping with other serological studies and other studies using parasitological methods [8]. The rates of seropositivity are also in keeping with the estimated prevalence in neighbouring countries such as Cambodia (21-30%) and Laos (>30%) [3].…”

Strongyloides stercoralis found in imported dogs, household dogs and kennel dogs in Iceland

“…stercoralis occurs almost worldwide. It is endemic in humid tropical and subtropical regions with the highest concentrations in tropical regions of Africa, South-East Asia and Latin America (Schär et al 2013). The nematode is also found in temperate regions such as in Europe, in particular in Eastern Europe, and in southern areas of the USA and in Japan (Olsen et al 2009).…”

Infección por Strongyloides stercoralis: metanálisis sobre evaluación de métodos diagnósticos convencionales (1980-2013)

“…La estrongiloidiasis es una infección parasitaria ocasionada por el nemátodo intestinal Strongyloides stercoralis 1 que afecta entre 30 y 100 millones personas en el mundo 2 , alcanzando su mayor prevalencia en países tropicales y subtropicales, donde se estima que puede infectar entre el 10% y el 40% de la población 3 . Esta parasitosis se relaciona con el bajo desarrollo socioeconómico y las deficiencias higiénicas y sanitarias de las regiones donde este parásito se considera endémico [4][5][6] .…”