Strongyloides Stercolralis can
be transmitted through the skin like the hookworm
and through autoinfection. Once the Strongyloides Stercolralis penetrates
the skin and enters the bloodstream, it travels to the lungs, then
to the windpipe to be swallowed, and finally to its ultimate destination,
the intestine. When an autoinfection of the Strongyloides Stercolralis
occurs, the larvae penetrates the intestinal lining instead of passing
out of the body in the feces. Because of its' autoinfection abilities,
Strongyloides Stercolralis have been known to live in the body as
long as 40 years.
Mild infections of the Strongyloides Stercolralis, Strongyloidiasis,
can be asymptomatic and often go unnoticed. More severe infections
of Strongyloidiasis can range from abdomen pain, a burning pain
to nausea, vomiting, constipation alternating with diarrhea, anemia,
weight loss, and chronic diarrhea.
Some signs of an early Strongyloides Stercolralis infection include:
ground itch (an itch where the Strongyloides Stercolralis has entered
the skin), wheezing, cough, and fever.
