Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction in Stool Detects Transmission of Strongyloides stercoralis from an Infected Donor to Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

• Published in: The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene Vol. 94; no. 4; pp. 897 - 899
• Main Authors: Gómez-Junyent, Joan, Paredes-Zapata, David, de las Parras, Esperanza Rodríguez, González-Costello, José, Ruiz-Arranz, Ángel, Cañizares, Rosario, Saugar, José María, Muñoz, José
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 01-04-2016; The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
• Series: Case Report
• Subjects: Aged; Animals; Fatal Outcome; Feces - parasitology; Female; Heart Transplantation - adverse effects; Humans; Liver Transplantation - adverse effects; Malalties parasitàries; Male; Middle Aged; Parasitic diseases; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Strongyloides stercoralis; Strongyloidiasis - diagnosis; Strongyloidiasis - transmission; Tissue Donors; Transplantation of organs; Trasplantament d'òrgans
• ISSN: 0002-9637; 1476-1645
• DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0610

Solid organ transplant recipients can acquire Strongyloides stercoralis from an infected donor. The diagnosis of S. stercoralis in immunocompromised individuals may be challenging due to a lower sensitivity of available parasitological and serological methods, compared with immunocompetent individuals. Recently, a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in stool has been developed for S. stercoralis diagnosis. We report two cases of S. stercoralis infection transmitted by a donor to two solid organ transplant recipients, who were diagnosed with RT-PCR in stool. This test could play an important role inS. stercoralis diagnosis in immunosuppressed patients, facilitating rapid treatment initiation and reducing the risk of severe strongyloidiasis. Adherence to current recommendations of screening among donors and recipients from endemic areas is also urgently needed.