Transmission of Strongyloides stercoralis Through Transplantation of Solid Organs - Pennsylvania, 2012

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode endemic in the tropics and subtropics. Immunocompromised patients are at risk for hyperinfection syndrome and disseminated disease, with a fatality rate greater than 50%. The infection source for immunocompromised patients, such as solid organ transplant recipients, is not always apparent and might result from reactivation of chronic infection after initiation of immunosuppressive therapy or transmission from the donor. In October 2012, the United Network for Organ Sharing notified CDC of a left kidney and pancreas recipient in Pennsylvania diagnosed with strongyloidiasis. Hasan et al summarize the results of the investigation of the source of Strongyloides infection in three of four organ recipients. A CDC editorial note is presented.