Strongyloides stercoralis
(parasite)

Strongyloides stercoralis is a threadworm of the Strongyloididae family.

It mainly occurs in tropical and subtropical regions.

S. stercoralis causes strongyloidiasis, which is characterised by intense itching of the site of skin penetration (“cutaneous larva migrans syndrome”) and pulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms in the later course of the infection.

Transmission mainly occurs by contact with infectious larvae in the environment. The larvae then penetrate the skin (percutaneous).

For a successful inactivation of parasites, specific disinfectants effective against parasites are required.