Resumo Introdução: Tornar-se médico é um processo bastante complexo. Fatores relacionados a personalidade do aluno, processo educacional e experiência diária com dor e morte contribuem para vivências psicoemocionais peculiares, nem sempre devidamente investigadas durante a formação médica. Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns (TMC) e fatores associados durante os seis anos de graduação entre todos os estudantes de uma turma de medicina de uma universidade pública brasileira. Método: Estudo transversal por inquéritos repetidos. Todos os 40 alunos admitidos em 2006 na escola médica pesquisada foram incluídos no estudo e avaliados anualmente até 2011 através do SRQ-20 e de um questionário estruturado elaborado pelos autores sobre aspectos sócio-demográficos, pessoais e educacionais. Realizadas regressão logística e análise de correspondência. Resultados: Os 40 calouros na primeira avaliação tinham média de idade de 20 anos (DP=2,4), sendo 57,5% do sexo feminino e 41% aprovados no terceiro vestibular. A prevalência TMC aumentou ao longo do curso: de 12,5% no primeiro ano para 43,2% no quinto. As seguintes variáveis foram potencialmente associadas à TMC no quinto ano: sexo feminino (RP=1,38), originários de capitais (RP=1,97), achar o curso menos do que esperava (RP=3,20), ter desconforto com as atividades do curso (RP=2,10), estar insatisfeito com estratégias de ensino (RP=1,38) e sentir que o curso não é fonte de prazer (RP=2,06) sendo R2=28,8% e AIC=60,04. Conclusão: Fatores potencialmente associados com alta prevalência de TMC foram relacionados à formação médica, mostrando que é necessário implementar medidas preventivas e revisão do processo educacional no intuito de reduzir os danos causados pelo desenvolvimento de TMC.

Summary Introduction: Becoming a medical doctor is a very complex process. Factors related to the student’s personality, the educational process and the daily experience with death contribute to peculiar psycho-emotional experiences, not always properly investigated during medical training. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) and associated factors, over six years of medical undergraduate course among all students of a class at a public university in Brazil. Method: Cross-sectional study based on repeated surveys. All 40 students enrolled in 2006 in the first year of our medical school were included and evaluated annually until 2011 using the SRQ-20 and a structured questionnaire prepared by the authors on sociodemographic, personal and educational aspects. We performed logistic regression and correspondence analysis. Results: The 40 freshmen in the first evaluation had a mean age of 20 years (SD=2.4), 57.5% were female, and 41% were approved after taking their third entrance exam. The prevalence of CMD increased over the years: from 12.5% in the first year to 43.2% in the fifth. The following variables were potentially associated with CMD: female sex (PR=1.38), originating from capital cities (PR=1.97), the program was less than they expected (PR=3.20), discomfort with program activities (PR=2.10), dissatisfaction with teaching strategies (PR=1.38), and feeling that the program is not a source of pleasure (PR=2.06), being R2=28.8% and AIC=60.04. Conclusion: The factors potentially associated with the high prevalence of CMD were those related to medical training, showing that it is necessary to implement preventive measures and review the educational process in order to reduce the damages caused by the development of CMD.

OBJETIVO: Estimar entre internos de medicina a prevalência de sintomas depressivos e sua intensidade, além dos fatores associados. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, em maio de 2008, com amostra representativa dos internos de medicina (n = 84) da Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS). Foram utilizados o Inventário de Depressão de Beck (IDB) e um questionário estruturado contendo informações sobre variáveis sociodemográficas, processo ensino-aprendizagem e aspectos pessoais. A análise exploratória dos dados foi realizada através de Estatística Descritiva e Inferencial. Finalmente foi realizada a análise de múltiplas variáveis através de regressão logística e cálculo das OR simples e ajustadas com seus respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança. RESULTADOS: A prevalência geral foi de 40,5%, dos quais: 1,2% (IC 95% 0,0-6,5) foram de sintomas depressivos graves; 4,8% (IC 95% 1,3-11,7) de moderados; e 34,5% de leves (IC 95% 24,5-45,7). A regressão logística revelou as variáveis de maior impacto associadas ao aparecimento de sintomas depressivos: pensamento de abandonar o curso (OR 6,24; p = 0,002); tensão emocional (OR 7,43; p = 0,0004); e desempenho acadêmico regular (OR 4,74; p = 0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: A elevada prevalência de sintomas depressivos na população estudada esteve associada com variáveis relacionadas ao processo ensino-aprendizagem e aspectos pessoais, sugerindo a necessidade de medidas preventivas imediatas referentes à formação médica e à assistência ao estudante.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate, among Medical School intern students, the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their severity, as well as associated factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in May 2008, with a representative sample of medical intern students (n = 84) from Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS). Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and a structured questionnaire containing informationon sociodemographic variables, teaching-learning process, and personal aspects were used. The exploratory data analysis was performed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Finally, the analysis of multiple variables by logistic regression and the calculation of simple and adjusted OR swith their respective 95% confidence intervals were performed. RESULTS: The general prevalence was 40.5%, with 1.2% (95% CI: 0.0-6.5) of severe depressive symptoms; 4.8% (95% CI: 1.3-11.7) of moderate depressive symptoms; and 34.5% (95% CI: 24.5-45.7) of mild depressive symptoms. The logistic regression revealed the variables with a major impact associated with the emergence of depressive symptoms: thoughts of dropping out (OR 6.24; p = 0.002); emotional stress (OR 7.43;p = 0.0004); and average academic performance (OR 4.74; p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of depressive symptoms in the study population was associated with variables related to the teaching-learning process and personal aspects, suggesting immediate preemptive measures regarding Medical School graduation and student care are required.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and levels of burnout syndrome among medical students at the Universidade Federal de Sergipe-Brazil and to identify associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with randomly selected students in 2009. The Maslach Burnout Inventory/Student Survey (MBI-SS) and a structured questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, the educational process, and individual aspects were used. Statistical evaluation of multiple variables was performed through backward stepwise logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of burnout was 10.3% (n = 369). The prevalence was higher among those who did not have confidence in their clinical skills (Odds Ratio-OR = 6.47), those who felt uncomfortable with course activities (OR = 5.76), and those who did not see the coursework as a source of pleasure (OR = 4.68). CONCLUSION: There was a significant prevalence of burnout among the medical students studied. Three variables, in particular, were associated with burnout and were directly related to the medical education process. Preventive and intervention measures must be adopted, and longitudinal studies should be conducted.

Este artigo trás algumas reflexões sobre as políticas de drogas no Brasil, desde os momentos iniciais do enfrentamento do HIV/AIDS entre os usuários de drogas injetáveis. Nos dois primeiros capítulos, tendo como ponto de partida os programas de trocas de seringas (PTS), o autor aborda o percurso da Política de Redução de Danos no Brasil e o papel nela desempenhado pelo Departamento de DST, AIDS e Hepatites Virais. O terceiro capítulo traz as ações desenvolvidas pela Coordenação Nacional de Saúde Mental Álcool e outras Drogas e pela Secretaria de Políticas sobre Drogas - SENAD, a partir da retração do Departamento de DST e AIDS nas políticas sobre drogas, bem como o surgimento do PEAD e do "Plano Crack", enquanto planos emergenciais para fazer face ao aumento do consumo de crack no país. No quarto e quinto capítulos são discutidos os dispositivos da atual política brasileira sobre drogas, suas limitações vinculadas, sobretudo, à fragilidade da Estratégia Saúde da Família, e são analisadas criticamente algumas das ações previstas no PEAD e no "Pano Crack". No sexto capítulo o autor trás os efeitos da repressão em nome do combate ao tráfico na política brasileira sobre drogas, tendo como pano de fundo a marginalização e a exclusão social dos usuários. Por fim, são apresentadas algumas proposições para a Política de Álcool e Drogas no Brasil.

This article contains some reflections on drug policies in Brazil. In the first two chapters, taking the needle exchange programs (SEPs) as the starting point, the author discusses the trajectory of the Harm Reduction Policy in Brazil and the role played in it by the Department of STD, AIDS and Viral Hepatitis. The third chapter examines the actions developed by the National Coordination of Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs and the Office of Drug Policies - SENAD, after the retraction of the Department of STD and AIDS from drug policies, as well as the introduction of PEAD and the "Crack Plan" in the country. In the fourth and fifth chapters the provisions of the current Brazilian policy on drugs and its limitations related mainly to the fragility of the Family Health Strategy are discussed, and some of the actions foreseen in the PEAD and the "Crack Plan" are critically analyzed. In the sixth chapter the author examines the effects of repression in the name of combating trafficking in the Brazilian policy on drugs having as background of the marginalization and social exclusion of users. Finally, some proposals are presented for the Alcohol and Drugs Policy in Brazil.

Este artigo trás algumas reflexões sobre as políticas de drogas no Brasil, desde os momentos iniciais do enfrentamento do HIV/AIDS entre os usuários de drogas injetáveis. Nos dois primeiros capítulos, tendo como ponto de partida os programas de trocas de seringas (PTS), o autor aborda o percurso da Política de Redução de Danos no Brasil e o papel nela desempenhado pelo Departamento de DST, AIDS e Hepatites Virais. O terceiro capítulo traz as ações desenvolvidas pela Coordenação Nacional de Saúde Mental Álcool e outras Drogas e pela Secretaria de Políticas sobre Drogas - SENAD, a partir da retração do Departamento de DST e AIDS nas políticas sobre drogas, bem como o surgimento do PEAD e do "Plano Crack", enquanto planos emergenciais para fazer face ao aumento do consumo de crack no país. No quarto e quinto capítulos são discutidos os dispositivos da atual política brasileira sobre drogas, suas limitações vinculadas, sobretudo, à fragilidade da Estratégia Saúde da Família, e são analisadas criticamente algumas das ações previstas no PEAD e no "Pano Crack". No sexto capítulo o autor trás os efeitos da repressão em nome do combate ao tráfico na política brasileira sobre drogas, tendo como pano de fundo a marginalização e a exclusão social dos usuários. Por fim, são apresentadas algumas proposições para a Política de Álcool e Drogas no Brasil.

This article contains some reflections on drug policies in Brazil. In the first two chapters, taking the needle exchange programs (SEPs) as the starting point, the author discusses the trajectory of the Harm Reduction Policy in Brazil and the role played in it by the Department of STD, AIDS and Viral Hepatitis. The third chapter examines the actions developed by the National Coordination of Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs and the Office of Drug Policies - SENAD, after the retraction of the Department of STD and AIDS from drug policies, as well as the introduction of PEAD and the "Crack Plan" in the country. In the fourth and fifth chapters the provisions of the current Brazilian policy on drugs and its limitations related mainly to the fragility of the Family Health Strategy are discussed, and some of the actions foreseen in the PEAD and the "Crack Plan" are critically analyzed. In the sixth chapter the author examines the effects of repression in the name of combating trafficking in the Brazilian policy on drugs having as background of the marginalization and social exclusion of users. Finally, some proposals are presented for the Alcohol and Drugs Policy in Brazil.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major infectious disease agent among injecting drug users (IDUs), with seroprevalence ranging from 50-90%. In this paper, serological and virological parameters were investigated among 194 IDUs, 94 ex-IDUs and 95 non-IDUs that were sampled by the "snowball" technique in three localities renowned for both intense drug use and trafficking activities in Salvador, Brazil. The majority of the participants were male, but sex and mean age differed significantly between IDUs/ex-IDUs and non-IDUs (p < 0.05). Anti-HCV screening revealed that 35.6%, 29.8% and 5.3% of samples from IDUs, ex-IDUs and non-IDUs, respectively, were seropositive. HCV-RNA detection confirmed that the prevalence of infection was 29.4%, 21.3% and 5.3% for IDUs, ex-IDUs and non-IDUs, respectively. Genotyping analysis among IDUs/ex-IDUs determined that 76.9% were infected with genotype 1, 18.5% with genotype 3 and 4.6% with a mixed genotype; this result differed significantly from non-IDUs, where genotype 3 was the most frequent (60%), followed by genotype 1 (20%) and a mixed genotype (20%). We report a significantly higher prevalence of HCV infection in IDUs/ex-IDUs compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Although the sample size of our study was small, the differences in HCV genotype distribution reported herein for IDUs/ex-IDUs and non-IDUs warrant further investigation.

OBJETIVO:Estimar a prevalência de transtorno mental comum e fatores associados entre estudantes de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Sergipe. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal com 473 dos 512 matriculados em 2006, aplicando o Self Reporting Questionnaire-20 e um questionário estruturado sobre características sociodemográficas, processo ensino-aprendizagem e vivências psicoemocionais. Os calouros foram excluídos após comparação inicial com os alunos do 2> ao 12> períodos. Análise estatística por regressão logística múltipla, após estatística descritiva e cálculo das ORs simples e ajustadas. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de transtorno mental comum geral foi de 40% (n = 473), mas com a retirada dos calouros, aumentou para 42,5% (n = 433) entre os alunos do 2> ao 12> semestre, sendo maior entre aqueles que não acreditavam ter adquirido habilidades para se tornarem bons médicos (OR = 2,82), que se sentiam pouco confortáveis com as atividades do curso (OR = 3,75), que se consideravam emocionalmente tensos (OR = 2,14), nos que não se consideravam felizes (OR = 2,85), nos que achavam que o curso era menos do que esperavam (OR = 1,64) e nos que tiveram diagnóstico prévio de transtorno mental feito por psiquiatra (OR = 3,78). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem a necessidade de mudanças no processo ensino-aprendizagem, bem como estruturação de programas para cuidar da saúde mental dos estudantes.

OBJECTIVE: Estimate the prevalence of common mental disorder and its associated factors among medical students of the Universidade Federal de Sergipe. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out, applying Self Reporting Questionnaire-20 to 473 students from the 512 medical students enrolled in 2006 and compared with compared with a structured questionnaire by the authors containing information on the socio-demographic characteristics, the teaching-learning process and the psycho-emotional experiences of the students. Freshmen were excluded after initial comparison with the students already exposed to the medical course. Statistical analysis by multiple logistic regression after calculating simple and adjusted odds ratio (OR). RESULTS:The general prevalence of common mental disorder was 40% (n = 473); after exclusion of the freshmen it increased to 42.5% among students from the 2nd to the 12th semester. It was higher among those who did not have faith in their acquisition of the skills needed to become a good doctor (OR = 2.82), who felt less comfortable about course activities (OR = 3.75), who considered themselves emotionally stressed (OR = 2.14), among those who did not consider themselves happy (OR = 2.85), who believed that the course did not match their expectations (OR = 1.64) and those who had a prior diagnosis of mental disorder by a psychiatrist (OR = 3.78). CONCLUSION: The results suggest the necessity of changes to the teaching-learning process and the establishment of a preventive mental health program for medical students.

Estudos recentes em diferentes países têm apontado o aumento do consumo de esteróides anabolizantes entre jovens fisiculturistas e atletas, e os danos à saúde causados pelo seu uso indiscriminado. No Brasil, estudos sobre o uso de anabolizantes são escassos. No presente trabalho, examina-se a percepção de risco à saúde, associada ao consumo de anabolizantes, entre jovens fisiculturistas de um bairro pobre da cidade de Salvador. A metodologia privilegiou métodos de coleta de dados qualitativos tais como etnografia, entrevistas semi-estruturadas e grupo focal com usuários de anabolizantes. Os dados produzidos descrevem as principais substâncias utilizadas e os padrões de uso, e apontam a falta de informação dos jovens entrevistados sobre a extensão dos danos à saúde decorrentes do consumo de anabolizantes, mostrando que para muitos, o desejo de desenvolver massa muscular e alcançar o corpo ideal se sobrepõe ao risco de efeitos colaterais. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de se desenvolver ações culturalmente apropriadas, voltadas para a prevenção do abuso de anabolizantes junto à essa população.

Recent studies in different countries have shown an increase in anabolic steroid consumption among young people and the harm caused by indiscriminate use. In Brazil, research on steroid abuse is scarce. The present study examines the risk perception of health problems associated with anabolic steroid consumption among young working-class adults engaged in body-building practices in a poor neighborhood in the city of Salvador, Bahia. The methodology involved an anthropological approach based on qualitative research techniques consisting of ethnography, in-depth interviews, and a focus group with steroid users. The data describe the most common substances consumed and highlight the lack of information among interviewees concerning potential related health hazards, showing that for many steroid consumers the quest for muscle-mass development to achieve an idealized body supersedes the risk of harmful side effects. The results indicate the need for culturally sensitive measures to prevent steroid abuse among youth.

Estudos recentes em diferentes países têm apontado o aumento do consumo de esteróides anabolizantes entre jovens fisiculturistas e atletas, e os danos à saúde causados pelo seu uso indiscriminado. No Brasil, estudos sobre o uso de anabolizantes são escassos. No presente trabalho, examina-se a percepção de risco à saúde, associada ao consumo de anabolizantes, entre jovens fisiculturistas de um bairro pobre da cidade de Salvador. A metodologia privilegiou métodos de coleta de dados qualitativos tais como etnografia, entrevistas semi-estruturadas e grupo focal com usuários de anabolizantes. Os dados produzidos descrevem as principais substâncias utilizadas e os padrões de uso, e apontam a falta de informação dos jovens entrevistados sobre a extensão dos danos à saúde decorrentes do consumo de anabolizantes, mostrando que para muitos, o desejo de desenvolver massa muscular e alcançar o corpo ideal se sobrepõe ao risco de efeitos colaterais. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de se desenvolver ações culturalmente apropriadas, voltadas para a prevenção do abuso de anabolizantes junto à essa população.

Recent studies in different countries have shown an increase in anabolic steroid consumption among young people and the harm caused by indiscriminate use. In Brazil, research on steroid abuse is scarce. The present study examines the risk perception of health problems associated with anabolic steroid consumption among young working-class adults engaged in body-building practices in a poor neighborhood in the city of Salvador, Bahia. The methodology involved an anthropological approach based on qualitative research techniques consisting of ethnography, in-depth interviews, and a focus group with steroid users. The data describe the most common substances consumed and highlight the lack of information among interviewees concerning potential related health hazards, showing that for many steroid consumers the quest for muscle-mass development to achieve an idealized body supersedes the risk of harmful side effects. The results indicate the need for culturally sensitive measures to prevent steroid abuse among youth.

Objetivo: estudar mulheres grávidas adolescentes como possível fator de risco de baixo peso no recém-nascido. Pacientes e Métodos: trata-se de estudo transversal, com entrevistas de 562 mães adolescentes e não-adolescentes nas primeiras 24 horas de pós-parto, no período de 10 de janeiro a 25 de março de 2002, em maternidade pública do município de Rio Branco no Estado do Acre. Foram excluídas do estudo as mães que tiveram feto morto, natimorto ou parto gemelar. Resultados: entre as 562 mães estudadas, 37,0% (n=208) eram adolescentes (16,9<FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT>1,6 anos) e 63,0% (n=354) tinham 20 ou mais anos de idade (22,9<FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT>6,3 anos). A média de peso do recém-nascido (RN) foi estatisticamente maior (p<0,01) entre as mães adultas (3.158,64<FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT>626,50 g) que entre as mães adolescentes (3.019,93<FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT>587,43). Quando excluídos os 32 (5,7%) RN prematuros (idade gestacional <37 semanas) houve também significativa maior proporção (p<0,007) de RN de baixo peso (<2.500 g) entre as mães adolescentes (11,9%) que entre as não-adolescentes (5,5%). A análise de regressão logística mostrou risco aumentado para o baixo peso ao nascer entre as mães adolescentes (OR=2,99; 1,47-6,07), bem como para o aborto (OR=2,78; 1,23-6,30) e para a doença hipertensiva específica da gravidez (OR=5,16; 1,65-16,12). Conclusão: o presente estudo demonstra que, associado ao impacto psico-social, familiar e econômico, já registrado na literatura, a gestação em adolescentes se associa a efeitos danosos sobre o concepto, os quais merecem estudo de coorte para avaliar as repercussões a médio e longo prazo.

Purpose: to study pregnancy in adolescent women as a possible risk factor for low birth weight. Material and Methods: a cross-wide study was performed on 562 adolescent and non-adolescent mothers who were interviewed during the first 24 h after delivery in the period from January 10,2002, to March 25, 2002, in a public maternity hospital located in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil. Those who delivered dead fetuses, whose babies died after being born, or had twins were excluded from the study. Results: among the 562 mothers who were studied, 37.0% (n=208) were teenagers (16<FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT>1.6 years), and 63.0% (n=354) were 20 or more years old (22.9<FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT>6.3 years). The average weight of the newborns was statistically higher (p<0.010) among the adult mothers (3,158.64<FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT>626.50 g) than among the adolescent mothers (3,019.93<FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT>587.43 g). When the 32 (5.7%) premature newborn babies (<37 week's pregnancy) were excluded, there was also a significantly greater proportion (p<0.007) of newborns with low weight (<2,500 g) among the adolescent mothers (11.9%) than among the non-adolescent ones (5.5%). The analysis of logistic regression showed an increased risk for newborns with low weight among the adolescent mothers (OR=2.99; 1.47-6.07), as well as for abortion (OR=2.78; 1.23-6.30) and pregnancy - induced hypertensive disorders (OR=5.16; 1.65-16.12). Conclusions: the present study shows that associated with the psychosocial, familial, and economic impact, already reported in the literature, pregnancy in adolescents is associated with deleterious effects on the conceptus, which requires a cohort study to assess the repercussions at both the medium- and long-term.

It was observed in the city of Salvador, State of Bahia, the highest seroprevalence of human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-I) infection in Brazil as demonstrated by national wide blood bank surveys. In this paper, we report results of an investigation of drug use and sexual behavior associated with HTLV-I infection among male and female injecting drug users (IDUs) in Salvador. A cross sectional study was conducted in the Historical District of Salvador from 1994-1996 (Projeto Brasil-Salvador) and 216 asymptomatic IDUs were selected using the snowball contact technique. Blood samples were collected for serological assays. Sera were screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1/2) and HTLV-I/II antibodies by ELISA and confirmed by Western blot. The overall prevalence of HTLV-I/II was 35.2% (76/216). The seroprevalence of HTLV-I, HTLV-II and HIV-1 was for males 22%, 11.3% and 44.1% and for females 46.2%, 10.3% and 74.4% respectively. HTLV-I was identified in 72.4% of HTLV positive IDUs. Variables which were significantly associated with HTLV-I infection among males included needle sharing practices, duration of injecting drug use, HIV-1 seropositivity and syphilis. Among women, duration of injecting drug use and syphilis were strongly associated with HTLV-I infection. Multivariate analysis did not change the direction of these associations. Sexual intercourse might play a more important role in HTLV-I infection among women than in men.

O presente trabalho demonstra a eficácia do método imunoenzimático utilizando antígeno solúvel de larvas de Strongyloides stercoralis no diagnóstico da estrongiloidíase humana. Foram avaliados 27 pacientes com as diversas formas clínicas da parasitose, sendo demonstrados títulos significativos em 25 (92%) dos casos. Em 17 controles, com ou sem outrasparasítoses intestinais, títulos significativos estavam presentes em 3 (18%). A sensibilidade do teste foi de 92% e a especificidade de 82%. São também relatados 3 casos clínicos, nos quais o diagnóstico da doença foi feito inicialmente pela determinação de anticorpos contra larvas de S. stercoralis, havendo posteriormente demonstração parasitológica em 2 dos casos. É ressaltada a importância do teste no diagnóstico da estrongiloidíase aguda e em situações onde eosinofilia não esteja associada a outras condições clínicas.

The detection of antibodies to S. stercoralis antigen by using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay was evaluated in 27 patients with strongyloidiasis diagnosed by demonstration of larvae of S. stercoralis in the stool. Significant titers of antibody were observed in 25 (92%) patients. In 17 controls with or without other parasitic infections, titers were considered positive in 3 (18%). We also report three cases in which the diagnosis of strongyloidiais was initially made only by the serological test These observations suggest that documentation of antibody to S. stercoralis by the ELISA technique may contribute to the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis. In addition, the test may be of great value in acute strongyloidiasis and in the diagnosis of patients with unexplained eosinophilia.