Threadworms

Also known as:  Strongyloides stercoralis;  Strongyloidiasis

Threadworms are a type of Roundworm.  Adult Threadworms live in the Mucosa and Submucosa of the Duodenum and upper Jejunum.  In heavy infections, the Pylorus, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Proximal Bile Duct and Pancreatic Duct may also be infected.

The female Threadworm is 2.2 mm in length and 0.04 mm in diameter.

 Threadworms are endemic throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

 The incidence of Threadworms in the Southern states of the USA has been estimated at 0.4% to 4.0%.

 Released Threadworm eggs hatch immediately and liberate rhabdoid larvae that migrate to the lumen and are passed in the feces.  After a few days on soil, the larvae transform into infectious filariform larvae.  Threadworms penetrate the Skin of humans, migrate through the Lungs and reach the Intestine, where they mature in approximately two weeks.