It is reported that, according to various studies, the rate of people that have been infected with Strongyloides in Okinawa is 12 percent among those over 40 years of age and 6 percent among those over 20 years. Strongyloides infection can frequently progress to the hyperinfection syndrome, with a resultant high morbidity rate following surgery. In order to prevent postoperative infection we studied risk factors associated with Strongyloides infection by comparing 49 demestic cases of Strongyloides infection with 149 controls with stool samples negative for parasites. The risk factors of infection were correlated with old age (over 60 years), male sex, digestive malignancies and HTLV-1 infection. These risk factors might participate in the initial infection or persistence of infection. A thorough knowledge about these risk factors may lead to earlier recognition of this dangerous but treatable disease.
Nihon Rinsho Geka Gakkai Zasshi (Journal of Japan Surgical Association)