Distribution
A map showing the worldwide distribution of human strongyloidiasis. © www.praxis-heinke.de/
Strongyloidiasis diagnostic lab. © R Stothard
The current estimate for Strongyloides infections in people is 30—100 million.
Human strongyloidiasis is distributed throughout most tropical and subtropical areas, but cases also occur in temperate areas (including the South of the United States).
More frequently found in
- rural areas
- institutional settings
- lower socio-economic groups
In parts of the tropics and between 5-15% of the population has the infection but the majority are asymptomatic.
Since diagnosis of the disease is not straightforward and uses rather cumbersome apparatus, better methods are urgently needed.