What is the Strongyloides Antibodies Test?

The Strongyloides Antibodies test is a blood test that detects IgG antibodies produced by the immune system in response to infection with Strongyloides stercoralis. This parasite can persist in the body for many years and may cause chronic or intermittent symptoms.

Unlike stool tests, which can miss the parasite due to intermittent shedding, antibody testing is more sensitive for detecting exposure or infection. It is particularly valuable when stool tests are negative but clinical suspicion remains high.

This test is widely used for screening individuals with a history of travel, unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, or before starting treatments that suppress the immune system.

Why do I need a Strongyloides Antibodies test?

Strongyloides infection can remain asymptomatic or cause mild symptoms for years, making it easy to overlook. However, in people who become immunosuppressed, the infection can become severe and potentially life-threatening.

You may need this test if you experience:

• Chronic or intermittent diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent cough or wheezing
• Skin rashes or itching
• Eosinophilia on blood tests
• History of travel or residence in endemic regions
• Planned steroid therapy, chemotherapy, or organ transplantation

Early identification is crucial, especially before immune-suppressing treatments, as untreated infection carries significant risks.

Benefits of the test

1. Sensitive detection of hidden infection
   Identifies infection even when stool tests are negative.
2. Essential before immunosuppression
   Reduces risk of severe disseminated infection.
3. Explains unexplained symptoms
   Helps investigate chronic gut, respiratory, or skin symptoms.
4. Useful for travel-related screening
   Ideal after exposure in endemic areas.
5. Non-invasive testing
   Requires only a blood sample.
6. Supports clinical risk assessment
   Aids decisions on further investigations or monitoring.
7. Detects long-standing infection
   Useful even years after exposure.
8. Improves patient safety
   Helps prevent complications from untreated parasitic infection.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your appointment
• A clinician draws a blood sample
• Sample is sent to the laboratory
• Results are issued once analysis is complete

Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)

• Book a mobile phlebotomist
• Blood sample taken at your home or hotel
• No need to travel to a clinic
• Sample securely transported to the laboratory

Your results explained

Negative (no antibodies detected)

• No detectable antibodies to Strongyloides
• UK standard: Negative
• Suggests no evidence of current or past infection

Borderline / equivocal

• Low-level antibodies detected
• UK standard: Equivocal
• May reflect early infection or declining antibody levels

Positive (antibodies detected)

• IgG antibodies present
• UK standard: Positive
• Indicates current or past infection and requires clinical correlation