Human strongyloidiasis in rural villages of South Kalimantan, Indonesia: A case series

Authors

  • Priska PP. Kristi Master of Biomedical Science Study Program, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine; Universitas Atmajaya, Yogyakarta, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4769-6407
  • Peni Kusumasari Master of Biomedical Science Study Program, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0134-3863
  • Puspawati Puspawati Department of Clinical Pathology, Ratu Zalecha General Hospital, Martapura, Indonesia
  • Yurniah Tanzil Department of Clinical Pathology, Ratu Zalecha General Hospital, Martapura, Indonesia
  • Dian Nurmansyah Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Universitas Borneo Lestari, Banjarbaru, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1671-0720
  • Muhammad Syairaji Department of Health Services and Information Vocation School, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
  • Rizqiani A. Kusumasari Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Center for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3854-8197
  • Eti N. Sholikhah Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6545-8691
  • Nina Buehler Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
  • Issa Sy Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9103-8861
  • Sophie Schneitler Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
  • Sören L. Becker Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
  • Elsa H. Murhandarwati Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Center for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0374-8167

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52225/narra.v5i3.2515

Keywords:

S. stercoralis, faecal samples, Baermann funnel method, qPCR, diagnosis

Abstract

Strongyloidiasis, caused by the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis, can lead to severe complications, including hyperinfection syndrome and disseminated disease, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. However, data on its epidemiology and clinical significance in Indonesia remain scarce and outdated. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of S. stercoralis, identify potential sources of infection, and explore associated risk factors. A case series of strongyloidiasis was identified during a soil-transmitted helminth survey conducted in two villages in Banjar District, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, between May and July 2024. S. stercoralis larvae were detected in four individuals out of 224 fecal samples (1.8%) using the Baermann funnel method, with confirmation via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). All infected individuals were female farmers who reported nonspecific clinical symptoms. Subsequent environmental sampling revealed viable S. stercoralis larvae in soil from one of the villages. The detection of asymptomatic, infected individuals suggests that humans serve as reservoirs for ongoing transmission. In the context of open defecation practices, sustained transmission is likely unless targeted interventions are implemented. Urgent actions are needed, including community education and the provision of basic sanitation infrastructure such as latrines and access to clean water. These interventions are especially critical given that ivermectin—the first-line treatment for strongyloidiasis—is not currently available in Indonesia.

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How to Cite

Kristi, P. P., Kusumasari, P. ., Puspawati, P., Tanzil, Y., Nurmansyah, D., Syairaji, M., Kusumasari, R. A., Sholikhah, E. N., Buehler, N., Sy, I. ., Schneitler, S. ., Becker, S. L., & Murhandarwati, E. H. (2025). Human strongyloidiasis in rural villages of South Kalimantan, Indonesia: A case series . Narra J, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.52225/narra.v5i3.2515

Issue

Section

Case Report

Citations