Strongyloides stercoralis Hyperinfection Presenting As Ascending Cholangitis and Escherichia coli Bacteremia in a Patient With Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

<i>Strongyloides stercoralis</i> is a nematode capable of persisting in humans for years to decades, or even lifelong, through an autoinfection cycle. In immunocompromised individuals, this can lead to uncontrolled proliferation and hyperinfection syndrome. We report the case of a 56-year-old Jamaican man with metastatic pancreatic cancer status post-Whipple procedure who presented with fever, sepsis, and signs of ascending cholangitis. Imaging revealed the progression of hepatic metastases, biliary obstruction, and new intrahepatic cystic lesions. Blood cultures grew <i>Escherichia coli</i>, and bile cultures unexpectedly revealed motile <i>S. stercoralis</i> larvae, confirming hyperinfection. Notably, the patient had no eosinophilia. He was treated with a two-week course of ivermectin and albendazole, along with intravenous antibiotics. Given the altered gastrointestinal anatomy from prior surgery, we propose that larvae accessed the biliary system via the choledochojejunostomy. While biliary involvement was present, the migration pathway was anatomically continuous, and this presentation was considered hyperinfection rather than disseminated disease. This case underscores the importance of considering strongyloidiasis in immunocompromised patients with sepsis of unclear origin, even when eosinophilia is absent, given the high morbidity and mortality associated with hyperinfection.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-08-20
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.90625
Primary Topic
Parasites and Host Interactions
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Strongyloides stercoralis Hyperinfection Presenting As Ascending Cholangitis and Escherichia coli Bacteremia in a Patient With Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

John Norman Greene, Alan Wang
Cureus
Parasites and Host Interactions
article

Strongyloides stercoralis Hyperinfection Presenting As Ascending Cholangitis and Escherichia coli Bacteremia in a Patient With Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

John Norman Greene, Alan Wang
article en

Abstract

<i>Strongyloides stercoralis</i> is a nematode capable of persisting in humans for years to decades, or even lifelong, through an autoinfection cycle. In immunocompromised individuals, this can lead to uncontrolled proliferation and hyperinfection syndrome. We report the case of a 56-year-old Jamaican man with metastatic pancreatic cancer status post-Whipple procedure who presented with fever, sepsis, and signs of ascending cholangitis. Imaging revealed the progression of hepatic metastases, biliary obstruction, and new intrahepatic cystic lesions. Blood cultures grew <i>Escherichia coli</i>, and bile cultures unexpectedly revealed motile <i>S. stercoralis</i> larvae, confirming hyperinfection. Notably, the patient had no eosinophilia. He was treated with a two-week course of ivermectin and albendazole, along with intravenous antibiotics. Given the altered gastrointestinal anatomy from prior surgery, we propose that larvae accessed the biliary system via the choledochojejunostomy. While biliary involvement was present, the migration pathway was anatomically continuous, and this presentation was considered hyperinfection rather than disseminated disease. This case underscores the importance of considering strongyloidiasis in immunocompromised patients with sepsis of unclear origin, even when eosinophilia is absent, given the high morbidity and mortality associated with hyperinfection.

CureusVol. 17(8)
Nova Southeastern University (US), Moffitt Cancer Center (US)
Good health and well-being, Zero hunger
Openalex Percentile: Top 77%
Parasites and Host Interactions
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Strongyloides stercoralis Hyperinfection Presenting As Ascending Cholangitis and Escherichia coli Bacteremia in a Patient With Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer — John Norman Greene, Alan Wang · Cureus (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS