Table 1. Laboratory tests for screening and diagnosis of strongyloidiasis
| Diagnostic Test | Chronic Intestinal Strongyloides (Pre-Immunosupression) | Chronic Intestinal Strongyloides (Post-Immunosuppression) | Strongyloides Hyperinfection Syndrome |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELISA Serology | >90% sensitive for past infection | False negative tests possible following imunosupression | False negative tests possible |
| Ova and Parasite Examination of Stool | Single specimen 15-50% sensitive, lab dependent, increased sensitivity with multiple specimens and with symptomatic infection | Abundant larvae seen. | |
| Stool culture (blood agar, modified agar plate method) | Depending on method and technique may have increased sensitivity compared with direct examination but more labor intensive than other methods | Not necessary as larvae are easily visualized on direct examination | |
| Eosinophilia | Presence should prompt screening, but not sensitive or specific for infection | Variably present | Usually absent |