Understanding Strongyloides Stercoralis infection and its relationship to chronic alcohol abuse: Understanding pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies

Globally, Strongyloides stercoralis is a prevalent nematode parasite infecting over 600 million individuals, predominantly in tropical regions. Despite its widespread occurrence, it is frequently underdiagnosed and neglected, posing significant health risks, particularly to immunocompromised individuals. This parasite's life cycle includes a concerning capability for autoinfection, potentially leading to hyperinfection syndrome with high mortality rates. Alcoholism is recognized as a major risk factor for exacerbating S. stercoralis infections due to its harmful impact on the immune system. Chronic alcohol consumption impairs adaptive immunity by reducing T-cell and B-cell function, which facilitates parasitic infections. This review examines the complex relationship between alcohol abuse and strongyloidiasis, emphasizing the molecular mechanisms involved. Diagnostic challenges and treatment options, particularly the efficacy of antiparasitic drugs like ivermectin, are also discussed. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to combat strongyloidiasis, especially among vulnerable populations, highlighting areas for future study. [Display omitted] •Strongyloides stercoralis infects over 600 million people, posing significant risks to immunocompromised individuals through autoinfection and hyperinfection syndrome.•Chronic alcohol use worsens Strongyloides infections by weakening immunity and leading to more severe cases.•Diagnosing Strongyloides stercoralis is difficult, and treatment with ivermectin faces ongoing challenges.•Better diagnostic methods and research on alcohol’s impact are needed to protect vulnerable populations.