A Rare Diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis in the Pleural Cavity.

Description Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted helminth that causes strongyloidiasis, a chronic parasitic infection in humans. S. stercoralis is one of several worm species that cause soil-transmitted helminthiasis, a neglected tropical disease. Herein, we discuss a 78-year-old female residing in a nursing home presenting with abdominal pain and shortness of breath. During a thoracentesis, physicians found multiple rhabditoid larvae consistent with S. stercoralis. However, before the procedure, a serial assessment of stool sample was performed and failed to demonstrate a parasitic infestation. Many of those infected with S. stercoralis are asymptomatic. Lack of symptoms and low sensitivity in traditional parasitological testing hampers and delays the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis. This case serves as a reminder to consider helminthic disease in the differential diagnosis.