What is the recommended treatment for Strongyloidiasis?

The recommended treatment for Strongyloidiasis is ivermectin. This choice is based on the specific action of ivermectin against Strongyloides stercoralis, the parasite that causes this infection. Ivermectin works by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nematode, leading to paralysis and subsequent death of the parasite. It is not only effective for eliminating adult and larval forms of Strongyloides but is also the drug of choice for disseminated strongyloidiasis, a severe and life-threatening form of the infection.

While other antiparasitic medications like albendazole and mebendazole are effective against a range of intestinal helminths, they are not the first-line treatments for Strongyloidiasis because they have not demonstrated adequate efficacy against Strongyloides stercoralis. Praziquantel, on the other hand, is primarily used for treating trematode and cestode infections and does not have activity against nematodes like Strongyloides. Therefore, ivermectin stands out as the appropriate and effective treatment for Strongyloidiasis.