An Unusual Cause Of Malabsorption In An Immunocompetent Individual

Introduction Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode of humans. Strongyloides infection is asymptomatic in more than 50 of all cases. While symptomatic infestation including hyperinfestation is seen commonly among immunocompromised patients, the infection is usually silent among immunocompetent individuals. Among Immunocompetent individuals the predominant symptom is an urtricarial skin rash with nonspecific abdominal symptoms. Strongyloides infection presenting as intestinal malabsorption in an immunocompetent individual is rare, with only a few cases reported in literature.Case Presentation We report a case of malabsorption in a 16 yr old immunocompetent boy who presented with chronic diarrhoea and weight loss. On evaluation Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed granular duodenal mucosa with scalloping of folds. Duodenal biopsy confirmed strongyloides stercoralis infection. He improved clinically after treatment with IvermectinConclusion Although rare, strongyloides stercoralis as a cause of malabsorption should be considered in an immunocompetent individual from the tropics.