Conditions and symptoms
What Is Strongyloidiasis? A Worm Infection and Steroids
Strongyloidiasis · say it: stron-jih-loy-DY-uh-sisAlso written: Strongyloides infection, Strongyloides stercoralis, threadworm infection, strongyloides hyperinfection
Short answer
Strongyloidiasis is an infection with a tiny roundworm, Strongyloides, that can live in the gut for years and become serious if immunity is weakened.
What it means
Strongyloidiasis is caused by a small roundworm called Strongyloides stercoralis. It is found mainly in warm, humid regions and is picked up when larvae in contaminated soil pass through the skin, often of bare feet. Unusually, the worm can complete its life cycle inside the body and stay for many years, often with few or no symptoms, or with stomach pain, diarrhea, itchy rashes or cough.
It appears on medicine labels in two ways. Ivermectin labels list it as a use. Labels for corticosteroids and some other immune-suppressing medicines warn about it, because in people with a hidden infection, weakened immunity can lead to 'hyperinfection', where worms multiply rapidly and spread through the body. Hyperinfection is a medical emergency. This is why doctors may test people who have lived in or travelled to affected areas before starting steroids.
Strongyloidiasis is different from pinworm (sometimes also called threadworm in some countries), which is a common, mild gut worm in children.
Where you may see it
- The 'Indications' section of ivermectin labels
- Warnings on corticosteroid and immunosuppressant labels
- Blood antibody tests and stool test reports
📄 How it looks on a report
In patients with known or suspected Strongyloides infestation, corticosteroids may lead to Strongyloides hyperinfection and dissemination.
🙅 What it does not mean
- Having no symptoms does not rule it out; it can stay hidden for years.
- The steroid warning does not mean steroids are unsafe for everyone; it matters if this infection may be present.
- It is not the same as common pinworm in children.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Strongyloidiasis”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Ivermectin
An antiparasitic medicine, sometimes called a worm-killing medicine (anthelmintic), that the FDA lists as an antiparasitic and pediculicide
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Strongyloidiasis” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
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