[Routine cases in intestinal parasitology].

The majority of intestinal parasites isolated in Switzerland is imported by refugees and travellers. Nematodes are more frequently isolated in the first group, whereas Giardia duodenalis and Strongyloides stercoralis predominate in the second. Symptoms are usually mild, but occasionally diarrhea, abdominal pain and weight loss may be encountered. Hypereosinophilia occurs frequently with some parasites. Four cases chosen from the outpatient department of a Swiss medical polyclinic are presented and serve as a basis for discussing persistent and chronic diarrhea, acute traveller's diarrhea, and hypereosinophilia. Differential diagnosis according to type and duration of symptoms, laboratory findings and treatment of the most frequently encountered parasites are reviewed.