Seroprevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in a South Indian adult population.

Background: The prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection is estimated to be 30–100 million worldwide, although this an underestimate. Most cases remain undiagnosed due to the asymptomatic nature of the infection. We wanted to estimate the seroprevalence of S. stercoralis infection in a South Indian adult population. Methods: To this end, we performed community-based screening of 2351 individuals (aged 18–65) in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu between 2013 and 2020. Serological testing for S. stercoralis was performed using the NIE ELISA. Results: Our data shows a seroprevalence of 33% (768/2351) for S. stercoralis infection which had a higher prevalence among males 36% (386/1069) than among females 29.8% (382/1282). Adults aged ≥55 (aOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.25–2.18) showed higher adjusted odds of association compared with other age groups. Eosinophil levels (39%) (aOR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.19–1.74) and hemoglobin levels (24%) (aOR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.11–1.53) were significantly associated with S. stercoralis infection. In contrast, low BMI (aOR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.82–1.61) or the presence of diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.83–1.69) was not associated with S. stercoralis seropositivity. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence for a very high baseline prevalence of S. stercoralis infection in South Indian communities and this information could provide realistic and concrete planning of control measures. Author summary: Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by a parasite which is endemic to parts of Latin America, Asia and Africa. Due to its characteristic life cycle, individuals can carry the infection lifelong with few or no symptoms. With the aim of knowing the prevalence of S. stercoralis at the community level, a population in the rural area of South India was studied using serologic assessments. There was a seroprevalence of S. stercoralis infection in this study of 33%. This suggests a need to revise control programs in order to avoid continued transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]