Varieties of Parasitic Worms – Strongyloides
Strongyloides infections are extremely rare in the United States but important to understand due to their unique auto-infection cycle. Learn about this tropical parasite, recognize symptoms like rash and digestive issues, and discover prevention strategies for families traveling to endemic regions.
Originating from the roundworm family, strongyloides (full name 'Strongyloides stercoralis') is a parasite that can cause strongyloidiasis in humans. Though they are rare in the United States, we understand the importance of being prepared for any possibility as parents – which is why we've assembled this comprehensive fact sheet with the most important information about strongyloides, the infections they cause, the symptoms they create, and how to eliminate them.
If, based on the information you find here, you think your child or a family member might have strongyloidiasis, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
Learn about the more common pinworm infections in children
A Strongyloides Overview
Strongyloides occur in tropical and temperate areas, but they're much more common in warm, humid regions. This type of worm is unique in that it can remain in the human body for decades, thanks to an 'auto-infection' cycle. The larvae can penetrate the skin and make their way to the lungs and then the digestive tract, where they eventually become adult worms. These then produce eggs that hatch and develop into the infective larvae. These larvae are then eliminated from the body in feces – but they can sometimes penetrate the skin around the anal area and reinfect the body once more, continuing the cycle.
Learn more about how to prevent reinfection of worms
How Do I Contract Strongyloides?
Infection occurs when larvae on contaminated soil comes into contact with human skin, when it can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream⁴. These types of worms can't be transmitted through human-to-human contact, unlike pinworms, for example.
Read about parasitic worms in humans
What Are the Symptoms of Strongyloidiasis?
As with other worm infections, symptoms can go unnoticed for many months – but those who do develop symptoms of strongyloidiasis may experience heartburn, bloating, intermittent diarrhea or constipation, a dry cough, a rash, and some abdominal pain.
Learn more about recognizing worm symptoms
How Can I Prevent Strongyloides Infections?
It's important to emphasize that strongyloides infections are incredibly rare in the United States – exposure to these worms is fairly restricted to countries with high population density and inadequate sanitation facilities. Nevertheless, it's important to take the right precautions – if children are going to be playing outdoors in endemic regions, promote regular handwashing and ensure they avoid contact with fecal matter at all times.
For families traveling to tropical regions where strongyloides may be present, consult with a healthcare provider about appropriate preventive measures and what to watch for upon return.
Understand why family treatment may be necessary
Treatment Considerations
COMBANTRIN® Chocolate Squares 24 Pack is effective at treating pinworm, hookworm, and roundworm infections. However, strongyloides infections require specialized medical treatment and should always be managed by a healthcare professional due to their complex lifecycle and potential for auto-reinfection.