Strongyloidiasis in Campinas city region (Brazil). Parasitological and serological data.

A retrospective study of laboratory records in a 400-bed university hospital in Campinas city, SP (Southeastern Brazil) suggests that infection by Strongyloides stercoralis is widespread in the region. A prevalence of 10.81% was found in 37,621 stool specimens examined in a two-year period. Parasite-specific IgG antibodies were measured by ELISA in sera from 90 patients with strongyloidiasis. The ELISA detected antibody in 76 (84.44%) patients, indicating that serodiagnostic tests may be helpful in screening patients for strongyloidiasis.