Disseminated strongyloidiasis complicating glioblastoma therapy: a case report

• DOI: 10.1007/s11060-009-9878-4
• Publication Date: 2009-03-31T00:26:09Z
• Authors: Dawit Aregawi; David Lopez; Mark Wick; W. Michael Scheld; David Schiff
• Keywords: Strongyloidiasis; Albendazole; Temozolomide; Strongyloides stercoralis

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal parasite that can cause fatal opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients. Here we report an immunocompromised patient with glioblastoma who developed disseminated strongyloidiasis 6 weeks after completion of standard radiotherapy and concurrent temozolomide chemotherapy. She was effectively treated with albendazole and ivermectin. Strongyloidiasis should be considered in patients being treated for glioma who have lived or traveled to high risk areas and developed gram negative sepsis, along with gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms, skin rash or SIADH.