. This second generation of filariform larvae cannot mature into free-living adults and must find a new host to continue the life cycle. Rhabditiform larvae in the gut become infective filariform larvae that can penetrate either the intestinal mucosa or the skin of the perianal area, resulting in autoinfection.

How do people get Strongyloides?

Strongyloidiasis is caused by the parasitic roundworm S. stercoralis. This worm infects mainly humans. Most humans get the infection by coming into contact with contaminated soil.

How does autoinfection affect host?

Autoinfection involves premature transformation of noninfective larvae (rhabditiform, 0.25 mm × 0.015 mm) into infective larvae (filariform, 0.5 mm × 0.015 mm), which can penetrate the intestinal mucosa (internal autoinfection) or the skin of the perineal area (external autoinfection), thus establishing a developmental ...