A case report suggestive of strongyloidiasis infection occurring in temperate Australia

Abstract

Strongyloides stercoralis is a nematode that can cause fatal systemic or disseminated infections in immunocompromised persons. It is known to be endemic in tropical Australia. Sporadic cases arising from temperate regions are reported in Russia and North America. An Aboriginal woman aged 71 years with ovarian carcinoma developed worsening lethargy and tiredness. She was diagnosed with strongyloidiasis based on serology in 2015. She had resided in the state of New South Wales all her life. This case report provides further evidence that strongyloides transmission is possible in temperate areas of Australia and has occurred in the past when sanitation was not as advanced as it is today.