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Pellegrino R, Tosca M, Timitilli E, Naso M, Marseglia GL, Galli L, Del Giudice MM, Chiappini E. From evidence to practice: A systematic review-based diagnostic algorithm for paediatric eosinophilia across socioeconomic context. Acta Paediatr 2024; 113:1506-1515. [PMID: 38695861 DOI: 10.1111/apa.17266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
AIM Paediatric eosinophilia is a common clinical dilemma, often leading to resource- and time-consuming assessments. We aim to evaluate the main aetiologies of eosinophilia in children from different socioeconomic settings and propose a diagnostic algorithm. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted through PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Studies published from January 2012 to June 2023 reporting the incidence and aetiology of peripheral eosinophilia in children were included. Evidence from studies on children originating from low- or high-income countries was compared. RESULTS A total of 15 observational studies, encompassing 3409 children, were included. The causes of eosinophilia varied based on the children's origin and the eosinophilia severity. In children from high-income countries, allergic diseases were the leading cause, with a prevalence of 7.7%-78.2%, while parasitosis ranged from 1.0% to 9.1%. In children from low-income countries, parasitosis was predominant, ranging from 17.7% to 88.3%, although allergic diseases were found in 2.5%-4.8% of cases. Concerning severity, allergic diseases were the leading cause of mild-to-moderate eosinophilia; parasitosis was associated with moderate-to-severe eosinophilia, while immunological disorders were mostly found in severe cases. CONCLUSION We developed a step-up diagnostic algorithm that considers the child's origin and eosinophilia severity and could optimise resource allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariangela Tosca
- Pediatric Allergy Center, Istituto Giannina Gaslini IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Edoardo Timitilli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Naso
- Pediatric Allergy Center, Istituto Giannina Gaslini IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Marseglia
- Pediatric Clinic Department of Paediatrics, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luisa Galli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
| | - Michele Miraglia Del Giudice
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialised Surgery, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Chiappini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
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2
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Vanhooren M, Stoefs A, Van Den Broucke S, Van Esbroeck M, Demuyser T, Kindt S. Intestinal helminthic infections: a narrative review to guide the hepatogastroenterologist. Acta Gastroenterol Belg 2023; 86:460-473. [PMID: 37814562 DOI: 10.51821/86.3.11895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal helminthic infections are not uncommon in Western Europe, mainly due to modern travel, emigration and globalization. Moreover, some helminthic infections are endemic in Western Europe and are part of the everyday clinical practice. The hepatogastroenterologist should therefore recognize and manage these patients or at least refer them to appropriate reference centers. Signs and symptoms are often unspecific or even absent. Discerning the disease at an early stage avoids expensive diagnostic testing, life-threatening complications and in some cases even further spread of the disease. This review article aims to guide the hepatogastroenterologist when suspecting a helminthic infection by addressing the most prevalent symptoms, summarizing the most probable associated helminthic entities, highlighting practical steps in diagnosis and available treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Vanhooren
- Department of Gastroenterology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Stoefs
- Department of Microbiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Van Den Broucke
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITMA), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - M Van Esbroeck
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITMA), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - T Demuyser
- Department of Microbiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
- AIMS lab, Center for Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Kindt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
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3
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Di Cicco M, Bertolucci G, Gerini C, Bruschi F, Peroni DG. Eosinophilia and potential antibody cross-reactivity between parasites in a child with pinworm and immune dysregulation: a case report. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:200. [PMID: 37101158 PMCID: PMC10134642 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04006-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal parasitic infections are common in humans, especially among young children. These conditions are often asymptomatic and self-limiting, and diagnosis is mainly based on the search for ova and parasites in the stools since serology may be biased due to cross reactivity between parasites. Pinworm is common in children and is not usually associated with hypereosinophilia; adhesive-tape test is the gold standard testing for the microscopic detection of Enterobious vermicularis (Ev) eggs. CASE PRESENTATION A 13-year-old boy was referred due to a self-resolving episode of vomiting and palpebral oedema after dinner, together with a history of chronic rhinitis, chronic cough, absolute IgA deficiency and Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hypereosinophilia (higher value = 3140/µl). On evaluation we detected only palpable thyroid and hypertrophic nasal turbinates. Food allergy was excluded, but skin prick tests showed sensitization to house dust mites and cat epithelium and spirometry showed a marked obstructive pattern with positive bronchodilation test prompting the diagnosis of asthma for which maintenance inhaled treatment was started. Chest x-ray and abdomen ultrasound were negative. Further blood testing showed positive IgG anti-Echinococcus spp. and Strongyloides stercoralis and positive IgE for Ascaris, while Ev were detected both by the adhesive tape test and stool examination, so that we made a final diagnosis of pinworm infection. Three months after adequate treatment with pyrantel pamoate the adhesive-tape test turned out negative and blood testing showed a normal eosinophil count. The child later developed also type 1 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS We suggest the need to investigate for enterobiasis in children with hypereosinophilia and to consider autoimmunity as a potential confounding factor when interpreting serology for helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Di Cicco
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana - Pisa University Hospital, U.O. Pediatria - Pediatrics Unit, Via Roma n. 67 -, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giulia Bertolucci
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana - Pisa University Hospital, U.O. Pediatria - Pediatrics Unit, Via Roma n. 67 -, 56126, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlotta Gerini
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana - Pisa University Hospital, U.O. Pediatria - Pediatrics Unit, Via Roma n. 67 -, 56126, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bruschi
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Programma Monitoraggio Parassitosi e f.a.d., Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego G Peroni
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana - Pisa University Hospital, U.O. Pediatria - Pediatrics Unit, Via Roma n. 67 -, 56126, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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4
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Thakker C, Booth HL, Lambert J, Morgan S, Checkley AM. Investigating eosinophilia. BMJ 2023; 380:e070295. [PMID: 36737076 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-070295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Clare Thakker
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- University College London, London, UK
| | - Helen L Booth
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Lambert
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Morgan
- Camden Directorate, North Central London Integrated Care Board, London, UK
- Hampstead Group Practice, London, UK
| | - Anna M Checkley
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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5
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Oshima R, Matsuhisa T, Kondo T, Sato M, Sato J, Yamamura M. Strongyloidiasis presenting during treatment of low-dose glucocorticoid plus rituximab for anti-signal recognition particle antibody-positive polymyositis: A case report. Mod Rheumatol Case Rep 2023; 7:113-116. [PMID: 36264196 DOI: 10.1093/mrcr/rxac083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis, an intestinal parasitic infection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, rarely occurs in Japan. When treated with immunosuppressive drugs, two potentially lethal conditions, hyperinfection and dissemination, may develop in asymptomatic carriers of this parasite. We report the development of strongyloidiasis during treatment of polymyositis with glucocorticoids plus rituximab (RTX). A 44-year-old woman had been diagnosed with anti-signal recognition particle antibody-positive polymyositis with interstitial pneumonia 6 years previously, for which she had recently been receiving prednisolone at 5 mg/day and RTX at 375 mg/m2 twice every 3 months. Her condition appeared to be well controlled. She was admitted to our hospital with a 1-month history of chronic diarrhoea and epigastric pain. Standard microscopic examination of a sample of faeces revealed the presence of S. stercoralis; however, serologic testing for parasites was negative. Treatment with ivermectin alleviated her inflammatory diarrhoea and eradicated the faecal parasites. We believe that our patient had an exacerbation of S. stercoralis infection (hyperinfection syndrome) that was exacerbated by low-dose glucocorticoids plus RTX. Strongyloidiasis should be considered in immunocompromised individuals with unexplained diarrhoea, even in non-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Oshima
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takaharu Matsuhisa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kondo
- Center for Postgraduate Clinical Training and Career Development, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Motoki Sato
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Juichi Sato
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamamura
- Department of Rheumatology and Collagen Disease Centre, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital, Okayama, Japan
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6
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Akelew Y, Whitehead B, Nejsum P. Longevity of Trichuris trichiura infection in the human host. J Travel Med 2022; 29:6663646. [PMID: 35960995 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taac087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
In this research, we present evidence-based data for the longevity of Trichuris trichiura on a healthy volunteer who had ingested eggs of T. trichiura. Hence, T. trichiura lives in a human host for at least 6 years and 5 months. Concurrently, this study highlighted consideration for returning travellers and migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibeltal Akelew
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos 269, Ethiopia
| | - Bradley Whitehead
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus 8200, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8200, Denmark
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus 8200, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8200, Denmark
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7
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Ananchaisarp T, Chamroonkiadtikun P, Julamanee J, Perdvong K, Chimpalee T, Rattanavirakul N, Leelarujijaroen N, Hathaipitak T, Tantinam T. Prevalence and management of eosinophilia based on periodic health examinations in primary care clinics. ASIAN BIOMED 2022; 16:273-282. [PMID: 37551315 PMCID: PMC10321192 DOI: 10.2478/abm-2022-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Eosinophilia is a common, hematologic abnormality detected in periodic health checkups with diverse etiologies. There are a few clinical practice guidelines for the management of eosinophilia. Objectives To determine the prevalence of eosinophilia among patients undergoing periodic health examinations, evaluate its management and outcomes, and identify its associated factors. Methods We conducted a retrospective study that included patients with eosinophilia diagnosed during the 2018 periodic health examinations at Songklanagarind Hospital. Results The prevalence rate of eosinophilia was 9.6% (988/10,299), and most patients (52.6%) were male with a median age of 53.0 (42.0-61.0) years. Only 174 patients (17.6%) were diagnosed and further examined to identify the cause of eosinophilia; including an examination of medical history (18.4%), physical examination (93.1%), laboratory analysis (9.2%), and consultation with internists (14.9%). Empirical anthelmintic therapy was administered in 130 patients (74.7%), and 49.2% achieved resolution. The possible causes of eosinophilia were identified in 20.7% (204/988), the most common cause being atopic disease (51.5%). Patients with moderate-to-severe eosinophilia were significantly more likely to be diagnosed, undergo further laboratory tests, and proceed with consultations with internists (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 3.52 [1.97-6.32], 17.13 [5.74-51.11], and 6.38 [1.95-20.93], respectively). Conclusions Eosinophilia is commonly identified in periodic health examinations, and most primary physicians lack knowledge regarding the diagnostic work-up required to determine the cause of eosinophilia. Empirical anthelmintic therapy showed satisfactory efficacy for the management of eosinophilia in areas where parasite infection is endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thareerat Ananchaisarp
- Division of Family and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla90110, Thailand
| | - Panya Chamroonkiadtikun
- Division of Family and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla90110, Thailand
| | - Jakrawadee Julamanee
- Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla90110, Thailand
| | - Kewalee Perdvong
- Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla90110, Thailand
| | - Thitawan Chimpalee
- Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla90110, Thailand
| | | | | | | | - Thanarat Tantinam
- Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla90110, Thailand
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8
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Eosinophilia in Migrant Children: How Should We Proceed? Pediatr Infect Dis J 2022; 41:102-107. [PMID: 34890375 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnostic approach to eosinophilia is complex, given the numerous reported etiologies. Intestinal parasites (especially helminths) are a concern in children from high-burden settings. We describe the diagnostic approach and clinical management of eosinophilia in a cohort of migrant children. METHODS We conducted a retrospective observational study that included children diagnosed with eosinophilia at a reference center for pediatric tropical diseases from 2014 to 2018. All patients were screened according to a unified protocol, including direct microbiologic and serologic tests. RESULTS A total of 163 children presented with eosinophilia during the study period [median age, 7.7 years (4.1-12.2); 57.1% boys], mostly from Asia (27.6%) and South America (22.1%). Most were internationally adopted children (43.6%) or migrants (26.4%). Only 34.4% of the children were symptomatic, and the main etiology for eosinophilia was helminths (56.4%). After a sequential diagnostic approach, no etiology was found for 40.5% of the patients. The independent risk factors for an unexplained etiology were younger age (≤2 years: odds ratio, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.3-10.2; P = 0.015), absence of symptoms (odds ratio, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.8-12.5; P = 0.001) and mild eosinophilia (<1000/µL: odds ratio, 4.2; 95% CI, 4.5-11.7; P = 0.005). Only 6 children were treated empirically. In those children with an identified cause and in those treated empirically, the eosinophilia resolved in 52% in a median of 7 months (5-9). CONCLUSIONS Helminths are the main cause of eosinophilia in migrant children and need to be hunted, especially in older children with eosinophil counts >1000 eosinophils/µL.
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9
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Image challenge: Beware of diagnostic anchoring - An offshore vessel welding inspector with eosinophilia and a cough productive of 'worms'. CLINICAL INFECTION IN PRACTICE 2021; 12:100105. [PMID: 34950867 PMCID: PMC8661125 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinpr.2021.100105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A 38-year old male was referred from an Acute Medical Unit to a regional Tropical Infectious Disease Unit with a seven-week history of dyspnoea, wheeze and cough reportedly productive of worms. The patient had taken photographs of the expectorated substance which allowed macroscopic examination by a consultant in infectious diseases. Fresh samples were also sent for histological examination. Initial investigations showed a prominent eosinophilia of 2.5 × 109/ml (0.0-0.4 × 109/ml).
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10
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Niederfahrenhorst A, Rothe C. [28/f-Migrant from Nigeria with eosinophilia, abdominal complaints and anemia : Preparation for the medical specialist examination: part 80]. Internist (Berl) 2021; 62:526-531. [PMID: 34448015 PMCID: PMC8390040 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-021-01114-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Niederfahrenhorst
- Abteilung für Infektions- und Tropenmedizin, Medizinische Klinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Leopoldstr. 5, 80802, München, Deutschland
| | - C Rothe
- Abteilung für Infektions- und Tropenmedizin, Medizinische Klinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Leopoldstr. 5, 80802, München, Deutschland.
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11
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Abdel-Haq N, Asmar BI. Fever in the Returned Pediatric Traveler. Glob Pediatr Health 2021; 8:2333794X211026188. [PMID: 34423077 PMCID: PMC8375340 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x211026188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Global mobility has been steadily increasing in recent years. The assessment of the febrile child returning from international travel is a diagnostic challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected international travel and made evaluation and management of the sick returned traveler more challenging. Children visiting friends and relatives abroad remain at higher risk of infection compared to tourists. This review presents a guidance on the initial assessment of a traveling febrile child including interpretation of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory findings. Important clues to etiology include exposure to different infectious agents, incubation periods of pathogens, and prophylaxis regimens and vaccines received. Early identification of potentially life-threatening and highly contagious infections is essential. In this article, we discuss the epidemiology, evaluation, and management of specific travel related infections such as malaria, typhoid fever, dengue fever, viral hemorrhagic fever, rickettsiosis, leptospirosis, schistosomiasis, gastrointestinal, and respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahed Abdel-Haq
- Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
- Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
- Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Basim I. Asmar
- Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
- Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
- Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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12
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Morales Hernández E, Rando-Matos Y, Dopico E, Solsona Díaz L. Historia de una eosinofilia fluctuante. Semergen 2020; 46:e59-e61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semerg.2020.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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13
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Sturdy A, Stratton R, Perez-Machado M, Lamb L. Case of eosinophilic fasciitis during military training in a Nepalese British infantry soldier. BMJ Mil Health 2020; 166:277-278. [PMID: 32139410 DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2019-001273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We present the case of a Nepalese British soldier with peripheral oedema and a significantly raised eosinophil count. After extensive investigation looking for a parasitic cause of his illness, he was diagnosed with eosinophilic fasciitis, a connective tissue disorder, often triggered by heavy exertion and responsiveness to immunosuppression. In a military setting, in which clinicians are likely to encounter patients who have spent time in tropical areas, it is important to still consider non-infectious causes of eosinophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Sturdy
- Department of Infection, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - R Stratton
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - M Perez-Machado
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - L Lamb
- Department of Infection, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,Academic Department of Military Medicine, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
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14
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Baker EC, Ming DK, Choudhury Y, Rahman S, Smith PJ, Muñoz J, Chiodini PL, Griffiths CJ, Whitty CJM, Brown M. High Prevalence of Strongyloides among South Asian Migrants in Primary Care-Associations with Eosinophilia and Gastrointestinal Symptoms. Pathogens 2020; 9:E103. [PMID: 32041352 PMCID: PMC7168230 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9020103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are a frequent reason for primary care consultation, and common amongst patients with strongyloidiasis. We conducted a prospective cohort and nested case control study in East London to examine the predictive value of a raised eosinophil count or of GI symptoms, for Strongyloides infection in South Asian migrants. We included 503 patients in the final analyses and all underwent a standardised GI symptom questionnaire, eosinophil count and Strongyloides serology testing. Positive Strongyloides serology was found in 33.6% in the eosinophilia cohort against 12.5% in the phlebotomy controls, with adjusted odds ratio of 3.54 (95% CI 1.88-6.67). In the GI symptoms cohort, 16.4% were seropositive but this was not significantly different compared with controls, nor were there associations between particular symptoms and Strongyloidiasis. Almost a third (35/115) of patients with a positive Strongyloides serology did not have eosinophilia at time of testing. Median eosinophil count declined post-treatment from 0.5 cells × 109/L (IQR 0.3-0.7) to 0.3 (0.1-0.5), p < 0.001. We conclude Strongyloides infection is common in this setting, and the true symptom burden remains unclear. Availability of ivermectin in primary care would improve access to treatment. Further work should clarify cost-effectiveness of screening strategies for Strongyloides infection in UK migrant populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damien K. Ming
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals, London WC1E 6JB, UK; (P.L.C.); (C.J.M.W.); (M.B.)
| | - Yasmin Choudhury
- William Harvey Heart Centre, Bart’s and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK;
| | | | | | - Jose Muñoz
- Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, 08014 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Peter L. Chiodini
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals, London WC1E 6JB, UK; (P.L.C.); (C.J.M.W.); (M.B.)
| | - Chris J. Griffiths
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK;
| | - Christopher J. M. Whitty
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals, London WC1E 6JB, UK; (P.L.C.); (C.J.M.W.); (M.B.)
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Michael Brown
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals, London WC1E 6JB, UK; (P.L.C.); (C.J.M.W.); (M.B.)
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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15
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Dopico E, Rando-Matos Y, Solsona L, Almeda J, Santos FLN, Vinuesa T. Infection by Strongyloides stercoralis in immigrants with Chagas disease: evaluation of eosinophilia as screening method in primary care. Trop Med Int Health 2020; 25:467-474. [PMID: 31845476 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate co-infection of Strongyloides stercoralis and Trypanosoma cruzi and to assess eosinophilia as a screening test for the detection of S. stercoralis infection in patients with Chagas disease (CD). METHODS A retrospective diagnostic validation study was performed on serum samples from primary care patients diagnosed with CD in the southern Barcelona metropolitan area. All samples with eosinophilia (n = 87) and a random sample of non-eosinophilic sera (n = 180) were selected. Diagnosis of CD was based on positive serology by means of two tests: ORTHO® T. cruzi ELISA test, and BIO-FLASH® Chagas or Bioelisa CHAGAS. SCIMEDX ELISA STRONGY-96 was used to diagnose strongyloidiasis. RESULTS Strongyloides stercoralis serology was positive in 15% of patients of whom 95% showed eosinophilia, vs. 21% of those with negative serology (P < 0.001), with differences in the mean eosinophil count (0.49 vs. 0.27 × 109 /l). Only 1.1% of patients with CD but without eosinophilia presented positive serology for S. stercoralis, whereas 44% of patients with CD and eosinophilia did (P < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity values for eosinophilia were thus 95% and 79%, respectively. PPV was 42.5% and NPV, 98.9%. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of co-infection by T. cruzi and S. stercoralis is not negligible and has probably been underestimated for years in many areas, due to frequently subclinical infections. Therefore, serology seems mandatory for these patients and the use of eosinophilia as initial screening could facilitate the task, decreasing the number of analyses to be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dopico
- Laboratori Clínic Territorial Metropolitana Sud, Catalan Institute of Health, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Y Rando-Matos
- Primary Care Center Florida Nord, Catalan Institute of Health, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Solsona
- Primary Care Center Florida Nord, Catalan Institute of Health, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Almeda
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, Barcelona, Spain.,Costa de Ponent Research Support Unit, South Metropolitan Primary Care Area Management, Catalan Institute of Health, Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain.,Autonoma University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - F L N Santos
- Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
| | - T Vinuesa
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Fever in the Returned Traveler. HUNTER'S TROPICAL MEDICINE AND EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020. [PMCID: PMC7152027 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-55512-8.00150-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
International travel is associated with a risk of infections not typically seen in high-income settings. Malaria is the most important tropical infection in travelers, but epidemics of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika emphasize that clinicians need to be aware of the rapidly changing distribution of many arboviruses. A detailed travel history and a syndromic approach to the investigation and management of patients is key. Consultation with a specialist is often recommended to ensure that appropriate management and investigations are undertaken in febrile returned travelers. Travel, especially to low-income regions, is associated with an increased risk of infections not typically seen in high-income countries (e.g., malaria, enteric fever, dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and schistosomiasis). Although gastroenteritis, respiratory tract infections, and self-limiting viral infections are common, a minority of patients will have a potentially life-threatening tropical infection. The evaluation of an ill returned traveler requires a detailed travel history with an understanding of the geographic distribution of infections, risk factors for acquisition, incubation periods, clinical presentations, and appropriate laboratory investigations. A syndromic approach to specific investigations, and to presumptive therapy pending laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis, is appropriate. Travel is also a risk factor for acquisition of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, such as those containing extended spectrum β-lactamases, that become part of the traveler's colonizing flora. As a rule, malaria should be excluded in all travelers presenting with a fever who have visited the tropics.
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17
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Motamedi M, Haghighi L, Omidian M, Sarkari B. Coinfection of Strongyloides stercoralis and Aspergillus sp. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2020; 2020:8649409. [PMID: 32565789 PMCID: PMC7271055 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8649409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strongyloides stercoralis has the ability to proliferate in its hosts for a long time. In most patients with a competent immune system, the infection remains asymptomatic. OBJECTIVES Herein, we report a case of concomitant infection of Strongyloides and Aspergillus. Similar cases reported previously were reviewed in the literature and discussed in terms of diagnosis, clinical presentation, and treatment. METHODS The patient was a 55-year-old man who had a medical history of two masses in his lung and was treated with corticosteroids six months before the presentation. RESULTS Using the parasitological methods, massive actively motile larvae of S. stercoralis were seen in the patient's faecal sample. Aspergillus infection was isolated from his fresh bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sample and confirmed by observing the septate, dichotomously branched hyphae in direct microscopic examination and also the isolation of the fungus from the culture medium. Molecular analysis revealed that the fungal species isolated from the patient are A. flavus and A. niger. Conclusion. The case highlights the features of concomitant infection of S. stercoralis and Aspergillus in immunocompromised patients and the importance of screening patients for strongyloidiasis before initiation of immunosuppressive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Motamedi
- 1Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Lida Haghighi
- 1Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Omidian
- 1Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahador Sarkari
- 1Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- 2Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
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18
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Costagliola G, Marco SD, Comberiati P, D'Elios S, Petashvili N, Di Cicco ME, Peroni D. Practical Approach to Children Presenting with Eosinophila and Hypereosinophilia. Curr Pediatr Rev 2020; 16:81-88. [PMID: 31729944 DOI: 10.2174/1573396315666191114150438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Eosinophilia is not a rare finding in clinical practice, and often poses problems in terms of etiologic research and differential diagnosis. Peripheral eosinophilia is defined by a blood eosinophil count > 500 cells/μL. It is classified into mild (500-1500 cells/μl), moderate (1500-5000 cells/μl) and severe for an eosinophil count > 5000 cells /μl. The term "hypereosinophilia" defines a condition characterized by a blood eosinophil count >1500 cells/μl in at least two consecutive tests made with a minimum of a 4-week interval. The causes of eosinophilia are various, and can be summarized by the acronym "APLV" which refers to Allergic disorders, Parasitic infections, Leukemia/ Lymphomas (and solid tumors) and Vasculitis-Immunodeficiency diseases, with allergic disorders and parasitic infections representing the most commonly identified causes. Allergic disorders are usually associated with mild eosinophilia, whereas values >20.000 cell/μl are highly suggestive for myeloproliferative disorders. Eosinophils may also be directly responsible for organ damage, mainly at cardiac, pulmonary and cutaneous level, deriving from the release of the granule products, of lipidic mediators and cytokines. Therefore, in the physician's approach to a patient with persistent hypereosinophilia, it is also important to investigate the presence of organ involvement. In this review, we propose a diagnostic algorithm for children presenting with either blood eosinophilia or hypereosinophilia. This algorithm focuses on the patient's history and clinical manifestations as the first step and the level and persistence of blood eosinophilia as the second, and this can help the physician to identify patients presenting with an elevated blood eosinophil count that need further laboratory or instrumental investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Costagliola
- Section of Paediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Serena Di Marco
- Section of Paediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Comberiati
- Section of Paediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sofia D'Elios
- Section of Paediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Maria Elisa Di Cicco
- Section of Paediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego Peroni
- Section of Paediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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19
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Agbata EN, Padilla PF, Agbata IN, Armas LH, Solà I, Pottie K, Alonso-Coello P. Migrant Healthcare Guidelines: A Systematic Quality Assessment. J Immigr Minor Health 2019; 21:401-413. [PMID: 29785690 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-018-0759-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Significant international and cross-border migration has led to a growing availability of migrant healthcare guidelines (MHGs), which we systematically reviewed for quality. PubMed, MEDLINE, CINHAL, PsychINFO and guideline developer/guideline databases were searched for MHGs published 2006-2016. Three independent reviewers assessed eligible MHGs using the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation II instrument (AGREE II). MHGs were identified as high quality if they had a score of ≥ 60% in at least three of the six domains, including "rigour of development", and overall quality was assessed on a seven-point Likert scale. We included 32 MHGs. Overall agreement between reviewers was very good. Mean scores for each AGREE II domain were as follows: 85 ± 19.0% for "scope and purpose"; 51 ± 30.5% for "stakeholder involvement"; 34 ± 31.9% for "rigour of development"; 86 ± 7.3% for "clarity of presentation"; 40 ± 23.6% for "applicability"; and 27 ± 38.5% for "editorial independence". Nine and six MHGs were deemed "recommended" or "recommended with modifications", respectively, and 17 were "not recommended". Our review of MHGs has highlighted critical deficiencies in rigour of development, applicability, editorial independence and stakeholder involvement that point to the need for improvements in future MHGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Nwachukwu Agbata
- Faculty of Health and Psychology, Master of Public Health (MPH) programme, University of Roehampton, London, UK. .,Methodology of Biomedical Research and Public Health, Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Preventive Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Paulina Fuentes Padilla
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Barcelona, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Ifeoma Nwando Agbata
- The Wicklow Mental Health Service, Newcastle Hospital, Greystones, Wicklow, Ireland
| | | | - Ivan Solà
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kevin Pottie
- Centre for Global Health Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Pablo Alonso-Coello
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute, Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
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20
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Abstract
Most of the 30 to 100 million people infected with Strongyloides stercoralis have subclinical (or asymptomatic) infections. These infections are commonly chronic and longstanding. A change in immune status can increase parasite numbers, leading to hyperinfection syndrome, dissemination, and death if unrecognized. The use of corticosteroids and HTLV-1 infection are most commonly associated with the hyperinfection syndrome. Strongyloides adult parasites reside in the small intestine and induce immune responses that are like other nematodes. Definitive diagnosis of S stercoralis infection is based on stool examinations for larvae. S stercoralis remains largely neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Krolewiecki
- Institute for Tropical Diseases Research, Universidad Nacional de Salta/CONICET, Alvarado 751, Oran 4530, Salta, Argentina
| | - Thomas B Nutman
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 4 - Room B1-03, 4 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-0425, USA.
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21
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Spencer H, Ustianowski A, Farooq H. Assessment of fever in the returning traveller. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2019; 79:560-566. [PMID: 30290751 DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2018.79.10.560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of people returning from trips abroad with fever is an important skill for all general physicians given the increasing trend in foreign travel. This evaluation should comprise a detailed travel history, thorough clinical examination, appropriate initial tests and a knowledge of when to ask for further advice. An understanding of the incubation periods of common imported infections and a syndromic approach to patients' symptoms is helpful in order to narrow down the likely diagnosis. The need to implement relevant infection control precautions has been highlighted by the recent Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and Ebola virus disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Spencer
- ST3 Registrar, Department of Infectious Diseases, Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester M8 5RB
| | - Andrew Ustianowski
- Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester
| | - Hamzah Farooq
- ST5 Infectious Diseases and Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester
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22
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Baldovin T, Amoruso I, Zangrando D, Cocchio S, Maharjan M, Lazzari R, Buja A, Baldo V, Bertoncello C. Soil-transmitted helminthiases in Nepal: Transmission boundaries and implications for local communities and international travelers. Acta Trop 2019; 196:155-164. [PMID: 30991017 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Soil transmitted helminthiasis (STHs) are endemic in Nepal but since the country territory is extremely heterogeneous, a multidisciplinary assessment is required to evaluate the risk of infection in different areas. Prevalence data were retrieved with systematic literature search and geographical coordinates were assigned to each survey site. Spatial stratification was then implemented considering land use and ecological parameters. STH transmission boundaries were tested after reference criteria and elevation was evaluated as additional predictor: the elevation threshold of 3057 m above sea level is demarking the STH transmission limit. Areas above this threshold are safe, but since lodging in at-risk sites is a compulsory stopover for international travelers, STH risk exposure should be considered for every travel to the country.
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23
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Ming DK, Armstrong M, Lowe P, Chiodini PL, Doherty JF, Whitty CJM, McGregor AC. Clinical and Diagnostic Features of 413 Patients Treated for Imported Strongyloidiasis at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2019; 101:428-431. [PMID: 31219002 PMCID: PMC6685552 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This study describes the clinical features of a cohort of imported cases of strongyloidiasis and the performance of standard diagnostic techniques for this condition. A total of 413 cases were identified, of whom 86 had microscopically proven infection. In proven cases, 23% had normal eosinophil counts, 19% had negative Strongyloides-specific serology, and 9.3% had normal blood counts and were seronegative. Serological testing was less sensitive for returning travelers (46.2%) than for migrants (89.7%). Immunosuppression, including human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1, was significantly associated with proven infection after controlling for age, presence of symptoms, duration of infection, and eosinophilia (OR 5.60, 95% CI 1.54-20.4). Patients with proven infection had lower serology values than those diagnosed with strongyloidiasis on the basis of positive serology and eosinophilia alone (P = 0.016). Symptomatic patients were significantly younger, had a shorter presumed duration of infection, and lower serology values. These data suggest a correlation between immunologic control of strongyloidiasis and the amplitude of the humoral response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien K. Ming
- Address correspondence to Damien K. Ming, The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Mortimer Market Centre, Capper St., London WC1E 6JB, United Kingdom. E-mail:
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24
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Simmons RP, Dudzinski DM, Shepard JAO, Hurtado RM, Coffey KC. Case 16-2019: A 53-Year-Old Man with Cough and Eosinophilia. N Engl J Med 2019; 380:2052-2059. [PMID: 31116923 DOI: 10.1056/nejmcpc1900595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel P Simmons
- From the Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center (R.P.S.), the Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine (R.P.S.), the Departments of Medicine (D.M.D., R.M.H.), Radiology (J.-A.O.S.), and Pathology (K.C.C.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (D.M.D., R.M.H.), Radiology (J.-A.O.S.), and Pathology (K.C.C.), Harvard Medical School - all in Boston
| | - David M Dudzinski
- From the Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center (R.P.S.), the Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine (R.P.S.), the Departments of Medicine (D.M.D., R.M.H.), Radiology (J.-A.O.S.), and Pathology (K.C.C.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (D.M.D., R.M.H.), Radiology (J.-A.O.S.), and Pathology (K.C.C.), Harvard Medical School - all in Boston
| | - Jo-Anne O Shepard
- From the Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center (R.P.S.), the Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine (R.P.S.), the Departments of Medicine (D.M.D., R.M.H.), Radiology (J.-A.O.S.), and Pathology (K.C.C.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (D.M.D., R.M.H.), Radiology (J.-A.O.S.), and Pathology (K.C.C.), Harvard Medical School - all in Boston
| | - Rocio M Hurtado
- From the Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center (R.P.S.), the Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine (R.P.S.), the Departments of Medicine (D.M.D., R.M.H.), Radiology (J.-A.O.S.), and Pathology (K.C.C.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (D.M.D., R.M.H.), Radiology (J.-A.O.S.), and Pathology (K.C.C.), Harvard Medical School - all in Boston
| | - K C Coffey
- From the Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center (R.P.S.), the Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine (R.P.S.), the Departments of Medicine (D.M.D., R.M.H.), Radiology (J.-A.O.S.), and Pathology (K.C.C.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (D.M.D., R.M.H.), Radiology (J.-A.O.S.), and Pathology (K.C.C.), Harvard Medical School - all in Boston
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25
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Shrestha P, O'Neil SE, Taylor BS, Bode-Omoleye O, Anstead GM. Hemoptysis in the Immunocompromised Patient: Do Not Forget Strongyloidiasis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:tropicalmed4010035. [PMID: 30759812 PMCID: PMC6473255 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis, due to infection with the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis, affects millions of people in the tropics and subtropics. Strongyloides has a unique auto-infective lifecycle such that it can persist in the human host for decades. In immunosuppressed patients, especially those on corticosteroids, potentially fatal disseminated strongyloidiasis can occur, often with concurrent secondary infections. Herein, we present two immunocompromised patients with severe strongyloidiasis who presented with pneumonia, hemoptysis, and sepsis. Both patients were immigrants from developing countries and had received prolonged courses of corticosteroids prior to admission. Patient 1 also presented with a diffuse abdominal rash; a skin biopsy showed multiple intradermal Strongyloides larvae. Patient 1 had concurrent pneumonic nocardiosis and bacteremia with Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis. Patient 2 had concurrent Aspergillus and Candida pneumonia and developed an Aerococcus meningitis. Both patients had negative serologic tests for Strongyloides; patient 2 manifested intermittent eosinophilia. In both patients, the diagnosis was afforded by bronchoscopy with lavage. The patients were successfully treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and ivermectin. Patient 1 also received albendazole. Strongyloidiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hemoptysis in immunocompromised patients with possible prior exposure to S. stercoralis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Shrestha
- Covenant Medical Group, Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Lubbock, TX 79410, USA.
| | - Sean E O'Neil
- Texas Center for Infectious Diseases, San Antonio, TX 78223, USA.
| | - Barbara S Taylor
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | | | - Gregory M Anstead
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
- Medicine Service, Division of Infectious Diseases, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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26
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The diagnosis and treatment of urogenital schistosomiasis in Italy in a retrospective cohort of immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa. Infection 2019; 47:447-459. [PMID: 30666616 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-019-01270-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate ultrasound and praziquantel to, respectively, assess and reduce urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS)-associated morbidity in migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). METHODS Migrants from SSA with UGS attending three Italian centres for tropical diseases during 2011-2016 were retrospectively enrolled. Data on clinical symptoms, routine laboratory, parasitological tests, and ultrasound reported as per the WHO-Niamey protocol were collected at baseline and at available follow-up visits after treatment with praziquantel 40 mg/kg/day for 3 days. RESULTS One hundred and seventy patients with UGS were enrolled and treated with praziquantel. Baseline ultrasonography showed urinary tract abnormalities in 115/169 patients (68%); the mean global Schistosoma haematobium score was 2.29 (SD 2.84, IQR 0-2), the mean urinary bladder intermediate score 1.75 (SD 1.73, IQR 0-2), and the mean upper urinary tract intermediate score 0.54 (SD 2.37, IQR 1-10). Abnormalities were more common among the 111 (65%) who were symptomatic (p < 0.02; OR 2.53; 95% CI 1.19-5.35). Symptoms started in 94/111 (85%) before arriving (median 63 months, IQR 12-119). At follow-up, we observed a significant reduction in the prevalence of UGS-related symptoms, blood, urine, and ultrasound abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Our study results support the use of ultrasound and praziquantel for assessing and reducing UGS-associated morbidity in migrants. Health-seeking behaviour, diagnostic, and treatment delays contribute to the advanced pathology and qualified treatment success. To ensure earlier treatment, based on our findings, clinical experience, and available literature, we propose an algorithm for the diagnosis and clinical management of UGS. Multicentre studies are needed to improve the management of subjects with UGS in non-endemic countries.
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27
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Narciso-Schiavon JL, Delziovo HA, Santos LEB, Shiozawa MBC, Schiavon LL. Recurrent albendazole-induced acute hepatitis. REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE GASTROENTEROLOGÍA 2018. [DOI: 10.22516/25007440.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
El albendazol es un medicamento usado para tratar infecciones por helmintos y usualmente presenta pocos o ningún efecto secundario. A pesar de que hay un incremento transitorio de enzimas hepáticas luego de su uso, existe poca evidencia en la literatura en la que se reporte lesión hepática luego de automedicación con albendazol. En este informe, el paciente se presentó con hepatitis aguda luego de automedicarse con albendazol. El paciente cuenta además con una historia de episodios similares después de haber usado el fármaco. Se evaluada la causalidad con el método de evaluación de causalidad de Roussel Uclaf del Concejo para Organizaciones Internacionales de Ciencias Médicas, cuyo resultado fue un puntaje de 10, lo que indicó una alta probabilidad de lesión hepática inducida por albendazol al cabo de realizarse una investigación rigurosa y de excluir otras posibles causas de la condición física del paciente. En conclusión, aunque es ideal agilizar el proceso para combatir a los helmintos, es necesario intensificar la necesidad de monitorizaciones de calidad para evitar reacciones adversas como la hepatitis inducida por medicamentos. Asimismo, la automedicación de cualquier medicamento debe ser siempre evitada.
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28
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Peju M, Deroux A, Pelloux H, Bouillet L, Epaulard O. Hypereosinophilia: Biological investigations and etiologies in a French metropolitan university hospital, and proposed approach for diagnostic evaluation. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204468. [PMID: 30256812 PMCID: PMC6157892 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of biological investigations in cases of eosinophilia in our area (French Alps). Methods We retrospectively included all adult patients attending the infectious disease and internal medicine units between 2009 and 2015 with eosinophilia ≥1 G/l. Results We identified 298 cases (129 women and 169 men). In 139 patients, eosinophilia had not been addressed. In the 159 others, the cause of eosinophilia was identified in 118 (74.2%). The main identified causes at the time were drug reactions (24.5%, mostly β-lactams and allopurinol), infectious diseases (17.0%), vasculitis (8.2%), autoimmune diseases (6.9%), and malignant diseases (6.2%). In patients with a skin rash, eosinophilia was significantly more often investigated, and a diagnosis significantly more often made. Helminthosis were mainly diagnosed in tropical travelers (18/24) excepting toxocariasis (3 non-travelers). Stool examination for helminthosis was positive in 5/76 patients (6.6%) (all tropical travelers); 391 helminth serologies were performed in 91 patients, with 7.9% being positive (all but 3 positive cases were travelers). Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) were positive in 26/112 patients (23.2%), with 9 cases of vasculitis identified. Conclusions Drug-related eosinophilia is the main etiology. Search for helminthosis is not recommended among non-travelers (excepting toxocariasis). ANCA should be performed early so as not to overlook vasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Peju
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Fédération d’infectiologie multidisciplinaire de l’arc alpin, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Alban Deroux
- Internal Medicine Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Hervé Pelloux
- Fédération d’infectiologie multidisciplinaire de l’arc alpin, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Parasitology-Mycology laboratory, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes and University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Laurence Bouillet
- Internal Medicine Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Olivier Epaulard
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Fédération d’infectiologie multidisciplinaire de l’arc alpin, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms (blood flukes) of the genus Schistosoma, with considerable morbidity in parts of the Middle East, South America, Southeast Asia and, particularly, in sub-Saharan Africa. Infective larvae grow in an intermediate host (fresh-water snails) before penetrating the skin of the definitive human host. Mature adult worms reside in the mesenteric (Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum) or pelvic (Schistosoma haematobium) veins, where female worms lay eggs, which are secreted in stool or urine. Eggs trapped in the surrounding tissues and organs, such as the liver and bladder, cause inflammatory immune responses (including granulomas) that result in intestinal, hepato-splenic or urogenital disease. Diagnosis requires the detection of eggs in excreta or worm antigens in the serum, and sensitive, rapid, point-of-care tests for populations living in endemic areas are needed. The anti-schistosomal drug praziquantel is safe and efficacious against adult worms of all the six Schistosoma spp. infecting humans; however, it does not prevent reinfection and the emergence of drug resistance is a concern. Schistosomiasis elimination will require a multifaceted approach, including: treatment; snail control; information, education and communication; improved water, sanitation and hygiene; accurate diagnostics; and surveillance-response systems that are readily tailored to social-ecological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald P McManus
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - David W Dunne
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Moussa Sacko
- Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Research, Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique, Bamako, Mali
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Birgitte J Vennervald
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Parasitic Hypereosinophilia in Childhood: a Diagnostic Challenge. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2018; 10:e2018034. [PMID: 29755711 PMCID: PMC5937950 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2018.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe hypereosinophilia (HE) in children is rare, and its etiological diagnosis is challenging. We describe a case of a 30-month-old boy, living in a rural area, who was admitted to our Clinic with a 7-day history of fever and severe hypereosinophilia. A comprehensive diagnostic workup could not identify the cause of this condition. On day 6, the rapidly increasing eosinophil count (maximum value of 56,000/mm3), the risk of developing hypereosinophilic syndrome, and the patient’s history prompted us to undertake an empiric treatment with albendazole. The eosinophil count progressively decreased following treatment. On day 13, clinical condition and hematological data were satisfactory, therefore the treatment was discontinued, and the patient was discharged. Three months later, anti-nematode IgG antibodies were detected in patient serum, thus establishing the etiological diagnosis. In conclusion, an empiric anthelmintic treatment seems to be justified when parasitic hypereosinophilia is strongly suspected, and other causes have been excluded.
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31
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Toxocariasis in humans in Africa - A systematic review. Travel Med Infect Dis 2017; 20:15-25. [PMID: 29037977 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2017.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis is a globally distributed zoonosis. The most important definitive hosts are dogs, whereas humans serve as paratenic hosts. Transmission to humans occurs by accidental ingestion of eggs, e.g. by consumption of contaminated fruits or vegetables. Although exposure to Toxocara is usually considered as relatively benign, it is implicated in a range of neurological, ophthalmologic and other organ-specific conditions, some of them with grave consequences. This review provides an overview on the epidemiology, presentation and risk factors of exposure to Toxocara in Africa. METHODS A systematic search was performed for studies published after January 1st, 1990, in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch or German. The review was prepared according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies on toxocariasis in human populations and contamination in human environments were included. RESULTS Sixty-five papers were included. Antibodies against Toxocara spp. in humans were found to be very common across Africa. Severe manifestations have been reported mainly from North Africa. Environmental contamination including soil, vegetables and fruits sold on markets was demonstrated in various locations in Africa. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to Toxocara is prevalent across the African continent. However, the complication frequency, the impact of the condition on the individual and the public health relevance of this zoonosis, and the economic impact have never been systematically evaluated.
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The changing aetiology of eosinophilia in migrants and returning travellers in the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London 2002-2015: An observational study. J Infect 2017; 75:301-308. [PMID: 28842188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Determining the cause of eosinophilia in patients returning from the tropics continues to present a diagnostic challenge. The history, symptoms and degree of eosinophilia are often poor predictors of eventual diagnosis, but helminths are an important cause. The current British Infection Association recommendations use travel history to guide investigation of eosinophilia. However the global burden of helminth disease and travel patterns have changed over the last 3 decades and guidelines based on previous epidemiology need to be reviewed in the light of current data. METHODS Consecutive patients presenting with, or referred for, investigation of eosinophilia were identified prospectively. Case notes, laboratory results and electronic records were reviewed for demographic and clinical data. Patients with an eosinophil count ≥0.50 × 109/L were included, and grouped based on lifetime history of travel to: West Africa, elsewhere in Africa, and the rest of the world. Results were compared to published data from 1997 to 2002 collected at the same centre. RESULTS Of 410 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 407 had a documented travel history. Average yearly referrals for eosinophilia fell from 58 per year between 1997 and 2002, to 33 per year (2002-2015). The proportion of eosinophilia cases diagnosed with a parasitic cause fell from 64% to 50%, and yields for all parasitological investigations fell, the largest reduction in stool microscopy (20% yield to 9%) and day bloods for microfilariae (14% yield to 3%). Strongyloides stercoralis was the commonest diagnosis overall in our cohort, accounting for 50% of the total parasites diagnosed, and was present in 38% of patients from West Africa, 19% from rest of Africa, and 34% from rest of world; a relative increase compared to previous data. Schistosomiasis is slightly less common in those who had travelled to West Africa than the rest of Africa, and overall point prevalence has fallen from 33% (1997-2002) to 17% (2002-2015). Travellers were significantly less likely than patients who had immigrated to the UK to be diagnosed with any parasite (OR 0.54 95% CI 0.378-0.778 p = 0.0009). DISCUSSION A parasitic cause will still be found in half of people returning from the tropics with an eosinophilia, but we observed a fall in the overall prevalence of parasitic diagnoses when compared with the earlier data. This may, in part, be explained by the impact of control programmes on the prevalence of parasites globally, especially filarial disease. S. stercoralis now represents the majority of parasites diagnosed in our cohort from all continents. We identified significantly higher rates of strongyloidiasis in immigrants than returning travellers. Despite the falling yields of stool microscopy and filarial serology the current guidelines based on travel history remain relevant with adequate yield.
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Requena-Méndez A, Buonfrate D, Gomez-Junyent J, Zammarchi L, Bisoffi Z, Muñoz J. Evidence-Based Guidelines for Screening and Management of Strongyloidiasis in Non-Endemic Countries. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:645-652. [PMID: 28749768 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is an intestinal parasitic infection becoming increasingly important outside endemic areas, not only because of the high prevalence found in migrant populations, but also because immunosuppressed patients may suffer a potentially fatal disseminated disease. The aim of these guidelines is to provide evidence-based guidance for screening and treatment of strongyloidiasis in non-endemic areas. A panel of experts focused on three main clinical questions (who should be screened and how, how to treat), and reviewed pertinent literature available in international databases of medical literature and in documents released by relevant organizations/societies. A consensus of the experts' opinion was sought when specific issues were not covered by evidence. In particular, six systematic reviews were retrieved and constituted the main support for this work. The evidence and consensus gathered led to recommendations addressing various aspects of the main questions. Grading of evidence and strength of recommendation were attributed to assess the quality of supporting evidence. The screening of individuals at risk of the infection should be performed before they develop any clinical complication. Moreover, in immunosuppressed patients, the screening should be mandatory. The screening is based on a simple and widely accessible technology and there is now a universally accepted treatment with a high efficacy rate. Therefore, the screening could be implemented as part of a screening program for migrants although further cost-effectiveness studies are required to better evaluate this strategy from a public health point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Requena-Méndez
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal-CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dora Buonfrate
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Joan Gomez-Junyent
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal-CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Zammarchi
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Universita Degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - José Muñoz
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal-CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Buonfrate D, Baldissera M, Abrescia F, Bassetti M, Caramaschi G, Giobbia M, Mascarello M, Rodari P, Scattolo N, Napoletano G, Bisoffi Z. Epidemiology of Strongyloides stercoralis in northern Italy: results of a multicentre case-control study, February 2013 to July 2014. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 21:30310. [PMID: 27525375 PMCID: PMC4998510 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2016.21.31.30310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted helminth widely diffused in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Autochthonous cases have been also diagnosed sporadically in areas of temperate climate. We aimed at defining the epidemiology of strongyloidiasis in immigrants and Italians living in three northern Italian Regions. Screening for S. stercoralis infection was done with serology, confirmation tests were a second serological method or stool agar culture. A case–control approach was adopted and patients with a peripheral eosinophil count ≥ 500/mcL were classified as cases. Of 2,701 individuals enrolled here 1,351 were cases and 1,350 controls; 86% were Italians, 48% women. Italians testing positive were in 8% (97/1,137) cases and 1% (13/1,178) controls (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.5–14.8), while positive immigrants were in 17% (36/214) cases and in 2% (3/172) controls (aOR 9.6; 95% CI: 2.9–32.4). Factors associated with a higher risk of infection for all study participants were eosinophilia (p < 0.001) and immigration (p = 0.001). Overall, strongyloidiasis was nine-times more frequent in individuals with eosinophilia than in those with normal eosinophil count.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Buonfrate
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Hospital, Negrar (Verona), Italy
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Trimble A, Moffat V, Collins AM. Pulmonary infections in the returned traveller. Pneumonia (Nathan) 2017; 9:1. [PMID: 28702303 PMCID: PMC5471882 DOI: 10.1186/s41479-017-0026-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary infections in the returned traveller are a common presentation. A wide variety of infections may present with pulmonary symptoms. It is important for clinicians to differentiate the cause of these symptoms. The risk of contracting certain travel-related pulmonary diseases depends on travel destination, length of stay, activities undertaken and co-morbidities. Some pathogens are found worldwide, whilst others are related to specific locations. This review article will discuss the approach to diagnosing and treating pulmonary infections in the returned traveller.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Trimble
- Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock Road, Crosshouse, KA2 0BE UK
- Respiratory Infection Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA UK
| | - V. Moffat
- Aintree Hospital, Longmoor Lane, Liverpool, L9 7AL UK
| | - A. M. Collins
- Respiratory Infection Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA UK
- Respiratory Research Group, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital Trust, Prescot Street, Liverpool, L7 8XP UK
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Butt NM, Lambert J, Ali S, Beer PA, Cross NCP, Duncombe A, Ewing J, Harrison CN, Knapper S, McLornan D, Mead AJ, Radia D, Bain BJ. Guideline for the investigation and management of eosinophilia. Br J Haematol 2017; 176:553-572. [PMID: 28112388 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.14488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nauman M Butt
- Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jonathan Lambert
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sahra Ali
- Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
| | | | | | - Andrew Duncombe
- Department of Haematology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Joanne Ewing
- Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Steven Knapper
- Division of Cancer & Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Donal McLornan
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Adam J Mead
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford and BRC Blood Theme, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Deepti Radia
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Approach to Eosinophilia in a Traveler from the Tropics. Infect Dis (Lond) 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-6285-8.00113-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Note S, Vanbrabant P, Soentjens P. Perianal lesions after return from Togo: An isolated cutaneous manifestation of schistosomiasis. Acta Clin Belg 2016; 71:431-434. [PMID: 27075797 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2016.1138591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Isolated perianal lesions in a returned traveller from Togo were observed. Eosinophilia was the lead to schistosomiasis, although no systemic symptoms were reported. This case report of cutaneous schistosomiasis demonstrates the importance of a travel history, especially geographic and exposure features, and treats the differential diagnosis of eosinophilia in a returned traveller with skin lesions.
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Cañas García-Otero E, Praena-Segovia J, Ruiz-Pérez de Pipaón M, Bosh-Guerra X, Sánchez-Agüera M, Álvarez-Martínez D, Cisneros-Herreros JM. [Clinical approach to imported eosinophilia]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2016; 34:661-684. [PMID: 27884406 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Eosinophilia is a common finding in international travelers and immigrants, being an helmintic infection its main etiology. The positive predictive value of eosinophilia for an helmintosis is low in travellers. Eosinophilia may be an incidental finding, or symptomatic, and it represents a clinical challenge due to the low sensitivity and specificity of direct and indirect parasitological diagnostic tests, respectively. It requires a structured approach based on geographical areas, environmental exposures and behavioral risks, and associated symptoms. The initial assessment should include a comprehensive and tailored anamnesis and physical examination, basic laboratory tests, a complete parasitological examination of stool samples and a Strongyloides stercoralis serology, supplemented with other explorations guided by epidemiological and clinical suspicion. Empiric treatment with albendazole and/or ivermectin (plus praziquantel if risk of schistosomiasis) is an option for unidentified persistent eosinophilia after study, and in persons in whom a proper assessment or follow-up can not be assured. In patients at risk for estrongiloidosis who are candidates for immunosuppressive therapies, it is indicated a prior screening and treatment to prevent a future hyperinfestation syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elías Cañas García-Otero
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Microbiología y Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío y Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, España.
| | - Julia Praena-Segovia
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Microbiología y Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío y Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, España
| | - Maite Ruiz-Pérez de Pipaón
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Microbiología y Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío y Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, España
| | - Xerach Bosh-Guerra
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Microbiología y Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío y Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, España
| | - Magdalena Sánchez-Agüera
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Microbiología y Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío y Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, España
| | - Daniel Álvarez-Martínez
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Microbiología y Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío y Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, España
| | - José Miguel Cisneros-Herreros
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Microbiología y Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío y Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, España
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40
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Marks M, Armstrong M, Whitty CJM, Doherty JF. Geographical and temporal trends in imported infections from the tropics requiring inpatient care at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London - a 15 year study. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2016; 110:456-63. [PMID: 27618924 PMCID: PMC5034884 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trw053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding geographic and temporal trends in imported infections is key to the management of unwell travellers. Many tropical infections can be managed as outpatients, with admission reserved for severe cases. METHODS We prospectively recorded the diagnosis and travel history of patients admitted between 2000 and 2015. We describe the common tropical and non-tropical infectious diseases and how these varied based on region, reason for travel and over time. RESULTS A total of 4362 admissions followed an episode of travel. Falciparum malaria was the most common diagnosis (n=1089). Among individuals who travelled to Africa 1206/1724 (70.0%) had a tropical diagnosis. The risk of a tropical infection was higher among travellers visiting friends and relatives than holidaymakers (OR 2.8, p<0.001). Among travellers to Asia non-tropical infections were more common than tropical infections (349/782, 44.6%), but enteric fever (117, 33.5%) of the tropical infections and dengue (70, 20.1%) remained important. The number of patients admitted with falciparum malaria declined over the study but those of enteric fever and dengue did not. CONCLUSIONS Most of those arriving from sub-Saharan Africa with an illness requiring admission have a classical tropical infection, and malaria still predominates. In contrast, fewer patients who travelled to Asia have a tropical diagnosis but enteric fever and dengue remain relatively common. Those visiting friends and relatives are most likely to have a tropical infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Marks
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, UK Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Christopher J M Whitty
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, UK Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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41
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Serre Delcor N, Maruri BT, Arandes AS, Guiu IC, Essadik HO, Soley ME, Romero IM, Ascaso C. Infectious Diseases in Sub-Saharan Immigrants to Spain. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 94:750-6. [PMID: 26880782 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immigrants may be carriers of infectious diseases because of the prevalence of these diseases in their country of origin, exposure during migration, or conditions during resettlement, with this prevalence being particularly high in sub-Saharan Africans. We performed a retrospective review of 180 sub-Saharan immigrants screened for infectious diseases at an International Health Center from January 2009 to December 2012. At least one pathogenic infectious disease was diagnosed in 72.8% patients: 60.6% latent tuberculosis infection, 36.8% intestinal parasites (intestinal protozoa or helminths), 28.1% helminths, 14.8% hepatitis B surface antigen positive, 1.2% anti-hepatitis C virus positive, 1.2% human immunodeficiency virus-positive, and 1.2% malaria. Coinfections were present in 28.4%. There was significant association between eosinophilia (absolute count or percentage) or hyper-IgE and the presence of helminths (P< 0.001). Relative eosinophilia and hyper-IgE were better indicators of helminth infection than absolute eosinophilia, particularly for schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis. We found a high prevalence of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan immigrants, which could lead to severe health problems (in the absence of prompt treatment), representing a high cost to the public health system and possible transmission in the host country. Accurate screening and tailored protocols for infectious diseases are recommended in sub-Saharan immigrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Serre Delcor
- Tropical Medicine and International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Microbiology Department, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Infectious Diseases Department, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Public Health Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Begoña Treviño Maruri
- Tropical Medicine and International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Microbiology Department, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Infectious Diseases Department, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Public Health Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Soriano Arandes
- Tropical Medicine and International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Microbiology Department, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Infectious Diseases Department, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Public Health Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Claveria Guiu
- Tropical Medicine and International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Microbiology Department, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Infectious Diseases Department, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Public Health Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hakima Ouaarab Essadik
- Tropical Medicine and International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Microbiology Department, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Infectious Diseases Department, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Public Health Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mateu Espasa Soley
- Tropical Medicine and International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Microbiology Department, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Infectious Diseases Department, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Public Health Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Israel Molina Romero
- Tropical Medicine and International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Microbiology Department, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Infectious Diseases Department, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Public Health Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Ascaso
- Tropical Medicine and International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Microbiology Department, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Infectious Diseases Department, (PROSICS) Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; Public Health Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
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Bignardi GE. Flow cytometry for the microscopy of body fluids in patients with suspected infection. J Clin Pathol 2015; 68:870-8. [PMID: 26188055 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2015-203088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Automating the microscopy of body fluids is challenging, due to the wider range and lower concentrations of cells in these fluids, as opposed to blood, while the viscous nature of some of these fluids can also be problematic. This review shows that there have been major improvements and that newer flow cytometers can have remarkably low limits of quantitation for WBCs. Accurate counting of RBCs is still problematic with many flow cytometers, but this is of no clinical significance. Many flow cytometers can give reasonably accurate WBC differential counts, but detection of eosinophils and neoplastic or other nucleated cells which are not blood cells can still be problematic, hence fail-safe measures are recommended. Cerebrospinal fluid is the most challenging body fluid as it requires the ability to count and differentiate WBCs down to a 'normal range', which is much lower than the diagnostic cut-off values used for serous fluids; precision at or around the cerebrospinal fluid WBC normal range is reduced even with the best flow cytometers, but manual microscopy is even less precise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Enrico Bignardi
- South of Tyne and Wear Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Tyne and Wear, UK NE9 6SX and Microbiology Department, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, UK
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Salas-Coronas J, Cabezas-Fernández MT, Vázquez-Villegas J, Soriano-Pérez MJ, Lozano-Serrano AB, Pérez-Camacho I, Cabeza-Barrera MI, Cobo F. Evaluation of eosinophilia in immigrants in Southern Spain using tailored screening and treatment protocols: A prospective study. Travel Med Infect Dis 2015; 13:315-21. [PMID: 26001914 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the etiology of eosinophilia in immigrant patients in Southern Spain. METHODS Prospective study of immigrant patients with eosinophilia (> 500 Eo/μL) attended in a reference Tropical Medicine Unit and evaluated through the implementation of a specific protocol structured in different levels meant to be accomplished depending on the findings of each previous level. RESULTS Out of the 549 patients included in the study (89.6% from sub-Saharan countries), a diagnosis of helminthiasis was reached in 417 (75.9%), mainly by Strongyloides stercoralis (n = 190), Schistosoma (n = 33) and Hookworms (n = 126). 30 patients (5.5%) had a non-parasitic disorder (asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, skin conditions and drug-related eosinophilia). Multiple helminthic infections were very common: in 107 patients (19.5%) 2 helminth species were identified, three in 21 patients (3.8%), and four or more in 6 patients (1.1%). Eosinophilia was resolved in 31 of the 33 patients (93.9%) who received empirical treatment with ivermectin, albendazole and praziquantel as an etiological diagnosis was not reached after applying the whole protocol. CONCLUSIONS Diagnosis of helminthic infections in immigrant patients with eosinophilia can be improved by using tailored protocols based on geographical exposure. The implementation of these protocols may also save costs by systematizing diagnostic explorations. Empirical treatment with ivermectin, albendazol and praziquantel in sub-Saharan population when an etiologic diagnosis of eosinophilia has not been attained is an effective measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Salas-Coronas
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Hospital de Poniente, Ctra. De Almerimar sn, 04700, El Ejido, Almería, Spain.
| | | | | | | | - Ana Belén Lozano-Serrano
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Hospital de Poniente, Ctra. De Almerimar sn, 04700, El Ejido, Almería, Spain
| | - Inés Pérez-Camacho
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Hospital de Poniente, Ctra. De Almerimar sn, 04700, El Ejido, Almería, Spain
| | | | - Fernando Cobo
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Hospital de Poniente, Ctra. De Almerimar sn, 04700, El Ejido, Almería, Spain
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Toledo R, Muñoz-Antoli C, Esteban JG. Strongyloidiasis with emphasis on human infections and its different clinical forms. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2015; 88:165-241. [PMID: 25911368 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis (caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, and to a lesser extent by Strongyloides fuelleborni) is one of the most neglected tropical diseases with endemic areas and affecting more than 100 million people worldwide. Chronic infections in endemic areas can be maintained for decades through the autoinfective cycle with the L3 filariform larvae. In these endemic areas, misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment and the facilitation of the hyperinfection syndrome by immunosuppression are frequent and contribute to a high mortality rate. Despite the serious health impact of strongyloidiasis, it is a neglected disease and very little is known about this parasite and the disease when compared to other helminth infections. Control of the disease is difficult because of the many gaps in our knowledge of strongyloidiasis. We examine the recent literature on different aspects of strongyloidiasis with emphasis in those aspects that need further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Toledo
- Departamento de Parasitología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the major parasitic diseases of the tropics, causing acute and long-term clinical syndromes. Almost all schistosomiasis is now imported from sub-Saharan Africa. This article summarises the aetiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of schistosomiaisis for clinicians in non-endemic countries.
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Ashrafi K, Bargues MD, O'Neill S, Mas-Coma S. Fascioliasis: A worldwide parasitic disease of importance in travel medicine. Travel Med Infect Dis 2014; 12:636-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2014.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Halbert J, Shingadia D, Zuckerman JN. Fever in the returning child traveller: approach to diagnosis and management. Arch Dis Child 2014; 99:938-43. [PMID: 24667950 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2012-303196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
During the last half century there has been an exponential increase in international travel including to more exotic and long-haul destinations. The assessment of febrile returning child travellers presents diagnostic challenges and is often performed poorly. A detailed travel and medical history, clinical examination and appropriate first-line investigations are essential. While the majority of children will have a common self-limiting or easily treatable infection, it is important to consider other causes, including imported infections, which may be life-threatening or highly contagious. In this article, we provide guidance on the initial assessment and management of such children with a focus on some of the more important imported infections, including malaria, dengue, typhoid fever, travellers' diarrhoea, respiratory infections, tuberculosis, schistosomiasis and rickettsial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Halbert
- Department of Paediatrics, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - D Shingadia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Jane N Zuckerman
- Academic Centre For Travel Medicine & Vaccines, WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference, Research and Training in Travel Medicine, University College London Medical School, London, UK
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Pak BJ, Vasquez-Camargo F, Kalinichenko E, Chiodini PL, Nutman TB, Tanowitz HB, McAuliffe I, Wilkins P, Smith PT, Ward BJ, Libman MD, Ndao M. Development of a rapid serological assay for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis using a novel diffraction-based biosensor technology. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3002. [PMID: 25102174 PMCID: PMC4125104 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strongyloidiasis is a persistent human parasitic infection caused by the intestinal nematode, Strongyloides stercoralis. The parasite has a world-wide distribution, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions with poor sanitary conditions. Since individuals with strongyloidiasis are typically asymptomatic, the infection can persist for decades without detection. Problems arise when individuals with unrecognized S. stercoralis infection are immunosuppressed, which can lead to hyper-infection syndrome and disseminated disease with an associated high mortality if untreated. Therefore a rapid, sensitive and easy to use method of diagnosing Strongyloides infection may improve the clinical management of this disease. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS An immunological assay for diagnosing strongyloidiasis was developed on a novel diffraction-based optical bionsensor technology. The test employs a 31-kDa recombinant antigen called NIE derived from Strongyloides stercoralis L3-stage larvae. Assay performance was tested using retrospectively collected sera from patients with parasitologically confirmed strongyloidiasis and control sera from healthy individuals or those with other parasitoses including schistosomiasis, trichinosis, echinococcosis or amebiasis who were seronegative using the NIE ELISA assay. If we consider the control group as the true negative group, the assay readily differentiated S. stercoralis-infected patients from controls detecting 96.3% of the positive cases, and with no cross reactivity observed in the control group These results were in excellent agreement (κ = 0.98) with results obtained by an NIE-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A further 44 sera from patients with suspected S. stercoralis infection were analyzed and showed 91% agreement with the NIE ELISA. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE In summary, this test provides high sensitivity detection of serum IgG against the NIE Strongyloides antigen. The assay is easy to perform and provides results in less than 30 minutes, making this platform amenable to rapid near-patient screening with minimal technical expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabio Vasquez-Camargo
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Peter L. Chiodini
- Department of Clinical Parasitology, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas B. Nutman
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Herbert B. Tanowitz
- Department of Pathology Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Isabel McAuliffe
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Patricia Wilkins
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | - Brian J. Ward
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael D. Libman
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Momar Ndao
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Kumar H, Jain K, Jain R. A study of prevalence of intestinal worm infestation and efficacy of anthelminthic drugs. Med J Armed Forces India 2014; 70:144-8. [PMID: 24843203 DOI: 10.1016/j.mjafi.2013.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal worm infestation is a global health problem. Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections form the most important group of intestinal worms affecting two billion people worldwide, causing considerable morbidity and suffering, though entirely preventable. The present study was undertaken to measure the parasite load in the target population and evaluate the efficacy of anthelminthic drugs. METHODS Current study was undertaken from 01 July 2012 to 30 June 2013. All outdoor as well as indoor patients advised stool examination formed the study population and it included 2656 males and 76 females (including 6 children). Investigations included stool examination and blood counts. A single-oral dose of anthelminthic drug was given to all positive cases. Stool tests were repeated after 14-21 days to evaluate cure rate. RESULTS Overall prevalence of intestinal worm infection was found to be 49.38%. Ascaris was the most common parasite (46.88%), followed by Taenia (2.1%) and Hymenolepis nana (0.21%). Cure rate was found to be 66% for Ascaris and 100% in other cases. CONCLUSION The study reveals high prevalence of intestinal helminths in our subject population and calls for immediate control measures, including preventive chemotherapy and treatment of entire 'at risk' population and improvement of their living conditions including provision of potable water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Kumar
- Professor (Community Medicine), A.J. Institute of Medical Science & Research Centre, Mangalore, India
| | - Kalpana Jain
- Ex-Medical Officer (Pathology), 150 General Hospital, C/o 56 APO, India
| | - Rahul Jain
- Graded Specialist (Medicine), Army Hospital (R&R), New Delhi, India
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Eosinophilia: A poor predictor of Strongyloides infection in refugees. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2014; 24:93-6. [PMID: 24421809 DOI: 10.1155/2013/290814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canada resettles 10,000 to 12,000 refugees annually. Despite this being a highly vulnerable population, there are little Canadian data on subclinical tropical diseases harboured in this population over the past 20 years. OBJECTIVES To determine the seroprevalence and predictors of Strongyloides infection in refugees arriving in Edmonton, Alberta. METHODS A retrospective chart review of all refugees seen at the New Canadians Clinic between March 2009 and April 2010 was performed. Demographic, symptom and physical examination data were collected from the charts. Laboratory results were obtained from the electronic laboratory records. RESULTS A total of 350 subjects were studied. The overall seroprevalence of strongyloidiasis was 4.6%. Equivocal results were found in 6.3%. In the positive group, the majority were male (62.5%); 75% were born in Africa (P=0.004) and 81.2% lived in refugee camps in Africa (P=0.002). Eosinophilia was present in 25% of the positive subjects (P=0.05), in none of the equivocal group and in 8.7% of the negative group. DISCUSSION Persistent asymptomatic Strongyloides infection is maintained for years through autoinfection. Traditionally, eosinophilia was used as one of the key tools to diagnose chronic but stable diseases, but it was shown to have a poor predictive value for strongyloidiasis in returning expatriates as well as in those presenting with a disseminated form of the disease. It is important to raise awareness of the severe limitations of eosinophilia as a marker for strongyloidiasis when managing patients who either are immunocompromised, or about to start immunosuppressive therapy. CONCLUSIONS The present study indicated that eosinophilia is a poor predictor of seropositivity and, thus, Strongyloides infection. Residence in Africa (birth/refugee camps) proved to be a significantly better predictor of Strongyloides seropositivity.
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