The research, published in the journal Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, analyzes the evolution, characteristics, and distribution of this disease, highlighting the need to improve its detection, especially in immunocompromised patients. The work involved collaboration from researchers from Incliva's Cardiovascular Area, the Infectious Diseases Unit, the Internal Medicine Service, and the Microbiology Service of the University Clinical Hospital of Valencia, as well as the Francesc de Borja Hospital in Gandia and the Virgen de los Lirios Hospital in Alcoy.
Strongyloidiasis, caused by the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis, is typically associated with tropical and subtropical regions. However, the Valencian Community has historically been one of the main foci of autochthonous transmission in Europe, particularly in rice-growing areas like La Safor. The previous perception was that the disease was limited to rural environments and declining, an idea reinforced by the lack of recent studies.
Dr. Carlos Bea Serrano, the study's director, explains that the main objective was to determine whether the infection is an anecdotal problem or if it maintains a constant presence, even outside historically endemic areas and in populations without clear agricultural connections. The study analyzed cases diagnosed between January 2015 and December 2024 in the three participating hospitals, involving patients over 16 years old.
The results show the consistent recording of autochthonous or local cases in the studied centers. Furthermore, a progressive increase in diagnoses is observed due to the rise in imported cases from other countries. Dr. Bea states that the infection remains present, even in patients without a clear rural link, although the nature of the infection does not allow for determining the exact moment of acquisition.
Researchers emphasize the importance of maintaining clinical and epidemiological surveillance, as strongyloidiasis often goes unnoticed, potentially remaining asymptomatic for years or manifesting with nonspecific signs such as itching, skin lesions, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
The main risk is exacerbated in immunocompromised individuals, where the parasite can multiply uncontrollably, causing severe conditions affecting various organs. The study does not determine the actual prevalence in the general population, as it is based on cases diagnosed through clinical suspicion or screening. Dr. Bea announces plans to initiate a seroprevalence study to ascertain the true disease burden.
Participating in the work from Incliva-Hospital Clínico de Valencia were Dr. Andrea de Castro Oliver (first author) and Dr. Anaïs Corma Gómez (corresponding author), both researchers from Incliva's Cardiovascular Area and the Internal Medicine Service. Dr. Corma is also a researcher at CIBERINFEC. Other notable authors include Drs. Miquel Moret Paredes, Alicia Marco Gabarre, Alicia Lucas Camps (Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases), and Javier Guillem (co-first author), David Navarro, and Isabel Corrales (Microbiology).
