Skip to content

Strongyloidiasis

Strongyloidiasis develops when the roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis infects the intestine. This worm can reproduce within the same host, and without treatment the infection can continue for decades. Such infections are seen in warm, humid tropical regions.

Medicine used to treat Strongyloidiasis

Stromectol

Ivermectin

3 · 6 · 12mg

Ivermectin is the active ingredient in Stromectol, a tablet for strongyloidiasis, scabies and onchocerciasis. You can compare the price per tablet across options.

FromUS$1.44/ tabletView

Key points

  • Because the worm can repeat its life cycle in one person, infection may remain for years without causing symptoms.
  • Treatment with corticosteroids over a long period raises the risk of hyperinfection, where larvae move beyond the gut.
  • Ivermectin, an antiparasitic medicine, is used in a short course and usually clears the infection.

What causes strongyloidiasis

The parasite lives in soil that is warm and damp. It can enter through bare skin, especially on the feet, so rural communities, farm workers and travellers may have greater exposure. Those whose immune systems are weakened, such as people using corticosteroids for a long time, face a higher risk of hyperinfection.

Symptoms to look for

Many people have no clear symptoms for years. When they occur, signs can include an itchy rash that moves near the entry point, stomach discomfort, bloating and diarrhoea that comes and goes. Hyperinfection may bring fever, cough and severe gut symptoms.

Treatment and when to get help

Strongyloidiasis is treated with ivermectin, an antiparasitic medicine. Stromectol tablets contain ivermectin and are supplied in 3 mg, 6 mg and 12 mg strengths. A short course is used to clear the infection. Pharmacy partners in India ship to Malaysia in discreet packaging. Anyone with possible hyperinfection, or with breathing symptoms together with gut symptoms, should seek medical attention promptly.

Further reading

Last updated