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Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis which commonly presents as an asymptomatic infection in immunocompetent patients but may cause non-specific gastrointestinal and pulmonary complaints. Here, we report the atypical presentation of strongyloidiasis in a 72-year-old Vietnamese male with shortness of breath and flushing. This case is notable for the unique presentation of cutaneous flushing, the absence of eosinophilia, and negligible microscopic findings on stool examination. Despite insignificant laboratory findings, clinicians should consider strongyloidiasis in patients from endemic areas with unexplained gastrointestinal and pulmonary findings., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Latta et al.)

Introduction The optimal treatment regimen for herpes simplex-1 (HSV-1) encephalitis is ill-defined. Current guidelines recommend the initiation of acyclovir in all suspected cases of encephalitis; however, there is limited research regarding the details of acyclovir treatment or the adjuvant use of corticosteroids. Specifically, there is a paucity of evidence-based guidelines detailing the optimal management of HSV-1 encephalitis in immunocompetent patients. In this study, we conducted a review of cases of immunocompetent patients with HSV-1 encephalitis to compare patterns in treatment and outcomes.  Methods A review of the literature was performed using PubMed using the terms herpes encephalitis, HSV, herpes zoster, and immunocompetent to identify cases of HSV-1 encephalitis in immunocompetent patients. The results were screened for cases describing the treatment regimen of HSV-1 encephalitis-positive, immunocompetent patients.  Results Six cases were identified. All six patients were treated with acyclovir with one patient receiving adjuvant corticosteroid therapy. Additionally, three patients were found to have acyclovir resistance and were transitioned to foscarnet. Eventually, one patient expired, two patients recovered with chronic morbidities of varying severity, and three patients made a full recovery.  Discussion Inconsistencies in the patient's disease course, therapeutic regimen, and comorbidities could all play a role in the varying case outcomes. While the optimal timing and composition of therapies in HSV-1 encephalitis in immunocompetent patients are still unclear, it seems the timely administration of antiviral treatment remains essential. Further research is needed to optimize HSV-1 encephalitis therapeutic regimens and improve patient outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2022, McCray et al.)

Coexistence of pulmonary cryptococcosis with other infections has commonly been described in immuno-suppressed individuals. In immuno-competent hosts, such coexistence is rare and mostly described in disseminated disease or uncommonly involving different sites. The simultaneous coinfection of cryptococcosis and tuberculosis of lung in an immuno-competent host is extremely rare with only one previously reported case in the literature. This is the second such case and the first to be reported in India. We describe a case of a 36-year-old immuno-competent male who presented with haemoptysis and cough. Computed tomography showed a sub-pleural lung nodule. Diagnostic thoracoscopic wedge resection of the right lung nodule revealed granulomatous inflammation with cryptococcus on histopathology. Coexistent tuberculosis was diagnosed by microbiological culture study on lung tissue. The patient responded clinically to fluconazole and anti-tubercular therapy. This case shows that although rare, coexistent infections can occur in immuno-competent persons and highlights the importance of careful evaluation and tissue microbiological culture examination., (Copyright © 2016 Tuberculosis Association of India. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)