Strongyloides species infestation in young infants of papu, New Guinea: association with generalized oedema.

Clinical and laboratory details of thirteen infants with "Swollen Belly Sickness" who has abdominal distension, respiratory distress, generalised oedema, and variable disturbance of gastrointestinal function were analysed. The intimate connection between the syndrome and infection with Strongyloides species closely resembling Strongyloides fulleborni - is discussed, and a standard treatment using thiabendazole, plasma transfusion and antibiotics, is proposed.