Fady Asslo

Strongyloidiasis is a common parasitic disease in tropical regions of the world. Infection withStrongyloides stercoralisusually remains asymptomatic with peripheral eosinophilia and uncontrolled growth. Consequently, immunocompromised individuals are at a higher risk of complications of this disease. We present a case of an immunocompetent patient whose complaint of acute abdominal pain was found to be due to gastric and duodenal ulcerations. Laboratory examination revealed significantly elevated absolute eosinophil count at 11,466/mm³(normal 0–700/mm³). The duodenal biopsy revealed parasitic ova and adult worms suggestive ofStrongyloides stercoralisnematode with increased eosinophils in the tissue. We report the first case of multiple gastric and duodenal ulcerations due toStrongyloides stercoralisin an immunocompetent patient. We suggest that the elevated eosinophil count played a central role in the pathogenesis.

Non-typhiSalmonellanormally presents as a bacteremia, enterocolitis, and endovascular infection but rarely manifests as pleuropulmonary disease. We present a case of a 66-year-old female with underlying pulmonary pathology, secondary to an extensive smoking history, who presented with a left-sided pleural effusion. The causative agent was identified as being group DSalmonella. Decortication of the lung was performed and the patient was discharged on antibiotics with resolution of her symptoms. This case helps to support the inclusion ofSalmonellagroup D as a possible etiological agent of infection in the differential causes of exudative pleural effusions.