Strongyloides-Induced Intestinal Obstruction in an Immunocompetent Host: A Rare Diagnostic Challenge

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal helminth endemic to tropical and subtropical regions. While often asymptomatic, it can cause severe and potentially life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals due to its unique ability to autoinfect and increase parasitic load. Due to the variability in clinical manifestations, diagnosis can be challenging, often necessitating histopathological confirmation. We report a rare case of an unusual presentation of strongyloidiasis, mimicking intestinal obstruction and systemic inflammation in a 25-year-old young male who presented to the emergency department with clinical features suggestive of an acute abdomen. Exploratory laparotomy revealed two strictures in the ileum, prompting segmental resection followed by end-to-end anastomosis. The remainder of the bowel appeared normal. Histopathological examination of the resected intestinal segment revealed tissue infiltration by Strongyloides stercoralis, confirming the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis. It underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for parasitic infections in patients from endemic regions presenting with nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms.