Anguillulosis: circumstances of infestation and evolution towards the malignant form

Abstract

Introduction: Anguillulosis is a ubiquitous digestive parasitosis. Rare in Tunisia, it is due to a round worm, strongyloid stercoralis, whose natural lodging is the duodeno-jejunal mucosa. Its malignant form is rare but it represents a potentially life-threatening disease.
Aim : We report a case of malignant anguillulosis occurring in a context of immunosuppression.
Observation: The case we report is about a 46-year-old man treated by a long-term corticosteroid therapy for Takayasu disease. He was hospitalized for an acute digestive syndrome. Biopsies were performed but the evolution was rapidly marked by multiorgan failure, sepsis and death of the patient. Histological analysis of the digestive biopsies concluded to an oeso-gastroduodenal anguillulosis.
Conclusion: Anguillulosis is a rare parasitosis but it can pose a health problem especially in its malignant form wich can be a life-threatening.