COVID-19 and Strongyloidiasis

Abstract

Manifestation of a latent strongyloidiasis, a parasitic disease that exists also in e.g. Southern Europe, is a possible complication of immunosuppressive corticosteroid treatment for late pulmonary phase of COVID-19. The manifestation may exacerbate into a fatal hyperinflation or disseminated infection. It is possible that undiagnosed or untreated strongyloidiasis may also contribute to mortality that has so far been attributed to COVID-19. A natural solution is to include ivermectin in the treatment protocol. MATH+ (methylprednisolone, ascorbic acid, thiamine, heparin) and I-MASK+ protocols have already included ivermectin for other reasons. However, ivermectin alone may not lead to a resolution of strongyloidiasis in all cases.

Note: Funding: None.

Declaration of Interests: None.

Ethics Approval Statement: Not applicable.

Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, strongyloidiasis, methylprednisolone, ivermectin, albendazole