Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to eliminate the worms with anti-worm medications such as ivermectin or albendazole.

In some cases, people with no symptoms are treated. This includes people who take drugs that suppress the immune system.

Expectations (prognosis):

With good treatment, people should make a full recovery and the parasites should be removed. Sometimes treatment needs to be repeated.

Infections that are severe or widespread often have a poor outcome, especially in people with a weakened immune system.

Complications:

• Disseminated strongyloidiasis, especially in patients with HIV or an otherwise weakened immune system
• Eosinophilic pneumonia
• Malnutrition due to problems absorbing nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract (malabsorption)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of strongyloidiasis.