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Joo H, Maskery BA, Alpern JD, Weinberg M, Stauffer WM. Cost-effectiveness of treatment strategies for populations from strongyloidiasis high-risk areas globally who will initiate corticosteroid treatment in the United States. J Travel Med 2023:taad054. [PMID: 37074145 PMCID: PMC10986739 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taad054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of developing strongyloidiasis hyperinfection syndrome appears to be elevated among individuals who initiate corticosteroid treatment. Presumptive treatment or treatment after screening for populations from Strongyloides stercoralis-endemic areas has been suggested before initiating corticosteroids. However, potential clinical and economic impacts of preventative strategies have not been evaluated. METHODS Using a decision tree model for a hypothetical cohort of 1000 individuals from S. stercoralis-endemic areas globally initiating corticosteroid treatment, we evaluated clinical and economic impacts of two interventions, 'Screen and Treat' (i.e. screening and ivermectin treatment after a positive test), and 'Presumptively Treat,' compared to current practice (i.e. 'No Intervention'). We evaluated the cost-effectiveness (net cost per death averted) of each strategy using broad ranges of pre-intervention prevalence and hospitalization rates for chronic strongyloidiasis patients initiating corticosteroid treatment. RESULTS For the baseline parameter estimates, 'Presumptively Treat' was cost-effective (i.e. clinically superior with cost per death averted less than a threshold of $10.6 million per life) compared to 'No Intervention' ($532 000 per death averted) or 'Screen and Treat' ($39 000 per death averted). The two parameters contributing the most uncertainty to the analysis were the hospitalization rate for individuals with chronic strongyloidiasis who initiate corticosteroids (baseline 0.166%) and prevalence of chronic strongyloidiasis (baseline 17.3%) according to a series of one-way sensitivity analyses. For hospitalization rates greater than 0.022%, 'Presumptively Treat' would remain cost-effective. Similarly, 'Presumptively Treat' remained preferred at prevalence rates of 4% or above; 'Screen and Treat' was preferred for prevalence between 2% and 4%, and 'No Intervention' was preferred for prevalence less than 2%. CONCLUSIONS The findings support decision-making for interventions for populations from S. stercoralis endemic areas before initiating corticosteroid treatment. Although some input parameters are highly uncertain and prevalence varies across endemic countries, 'Presumptively Treat' would likely be preferred across a range for many populations given plausible parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heesoo Joo
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brian A. Maskery
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jonathan D. Alpern
- Infectious Disease Section, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Michelle Weinberg
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - William M. Stauffer
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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2
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Delgado RI, De la Rosa M, Picado MA, Ayoub-Rodriguez L, Gonzalez CE, Gemoets L. Cost of care for asylum seekers and refugees entering the United States: The case of volunteer medical providers in El Paso, Texas. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278386. [PMID: 36454915 PMCID: PMC9714800 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between October 2018, and February 2020, the United States saw an unprecedented increase in the number of asylum seekers and refugees arriving unexpectedly at international crossings along the US-Mexico Border. Many of these migrants needed proper medical attention, and consequently created significant pressure on local health systems. In El Paso, Texas, volunteer clinicians, collaborating closely with religious organizations and non-governmental organizations, provided outpatient medical care for the new arrivals; the county hospital provided in-patient care at local tax payers' expense. The objective of this study was to estimate costs of healthcare services offered by these volunteers in order to formulate sustainable and appropriate healthcare policies to address the needs of refugees and asylum seekers in the United States. METHODS A mixed methods approach was used including personal interviews with stakeholders, and follow up surveys with volunteer clinicians. The cost analysis was done from the payer perspective using Medicaid reimbursement rates. RESULTS Total costs of care provided to asylum seekers and refugees varied between $1.9MM to $4.4MM during the study period. The number of patient visits was estimated at 15,736 to 19,236, and cost per patient ranged between $99 and $281. Most common conditions treated by volunteer providers were abdominal pain, dermatological conditions, headaches, dehydration and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study looking at the cost of healthcare for refugees and asylum seekers provided by volunteer clinicians, in a binational context. The resources invested by volunteer providers were significant, and essential to meet medical needs of migrant populations. Without appropriate financial support, a strategy relying on volunteer and local community resources will prove unsustainable in the long term. Findings from this study will help formulate federal and local policies to support local health systems along the US-Mexico Border in providing care to future migrations into the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rigoberto I. Delgado
- School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Manuel De la Rosa
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Marlon A. Picado
- Department of Accounting and Information Systems, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lisa Ayoub-Rodriguez
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Celia E. Gonzalez
- Department of Accounting and Information Systems, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Leopold Gemoets
- Department of Accounting and Information Systems, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
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3
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Wikman-Jorgensen P, Requena-Méndez A, Navarro M, Llenas-García J. Comments to the document GEPI-SEIMC screening recommendations for patients with suspected strongyloidosis. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2022; 40:411-412. [PMID: 35624067 PMCID: PMC9574943 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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4
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Wikman-Jorgensen P, Requena-Méndez A, Navarro M, Llenas-García J. [Comments to the document GEPI-SEIMC screening recommendations for patients with suspected strongyloidosis]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2022; 40:411-412. [PMID: 35469335 PMCID: PMC9020610 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2022.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Wikman-Jorgensen
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario San Juan de Alicante-FISABIO, San Juan de Alicante, España
| | - Ana Requena-Méndez
- Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal, Hospital Clinic-University of Barcelona), Barcelona, España.,Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Suecia
| | - Miriam Navarro
- Unidad de Epidemiología, Centro de Salud Pública de Elche, Alicante, España.,Departamento de Salud Pública, Historia de la Ciencia y Ginecología; Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, España
| | - Jara Llenas-García
- Servicio de Medicina Interna/infecciosas, Hospital Vega Baja-FISABIO, Alicante, España.,Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, San Juan de Alicante, España
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5
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Bustamante J, Sainz T, Montojo FA, Almirón MD, Subirats M, Vega DM, Mellado MJ, López-Hortelano MG. Screening for parasites in migrant children. Travel Med Infect Dis 2022; 47:102287. [PMID: 35304329 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globalization has pushed population movements in the last decades, turning imported diseases into the focus. Due to behavioral habits, children are at higher risk of acquiring iparasitosis. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of parasites in migrant children and factors associated with parasitic diseases. METHOD Retrospective cross-sectional study (2014-2018) including children diagnosed with parasitosis. The diagnosis was based on serology and/or microscopic stool-sample evaluation. Epidemiological and clinical data were recorded. RESULTS Out of 813 migrant children screened, 241 (29.6%) presented at least one parasite, and 89 (10.9%) more than one. The median age was 6.6 years (IQR: 3.1-11.9) and 58.9% were males. Most cases were referred for a health exam; only 52.3% of children were symptomatic, but 43.6% had eosinophilia. The most common diagnosis were giardiasis (35.3%), schistosomiasis (19.1%), toxocariasis (15.4%), and strongyloidiasis (9.1%). After the multivariate analysis, African origin and presenting with eosinophilia were the main risk factors for parasitism. CONCLUSIONS parasitosis are frequent among migrant children. Children are often asymptomatic, and thus active screening for parasitosis should be considered among high-risk populations. Eosinophilia can be useful to guide complimentary tests, as well as geographical origin, but normal eosinophil count does not exclude parasitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Bustamante
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital General de Valdepeñas, Ciudad Real, Spain; La Paz Research Institute (IdiPAZ) Madrid, Spain; Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Spain
| | - Talía Sainz
- La Paz Research Institute (IdiPAZ) Madrid, Spain; Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Spain; General Pediatrics and Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain; Red de Investigación Traslacional en Infectología Pediátrica (RITIP), Spain.
| | - Fátima Ara Montojo
- La Paz Research Institute (IdiPAZ) Madrid, Spain; General Pediatrics Department, Hospital de Quiron, Pozuelo, Spain
| | - Mariana Díaz Almirón
- La Paz Research Institute (IdiPAZ) Madrid, Spain; Biostatistics Department, La Paz University Hospital, Spain
| | - Mercedes Subirats
- La Paz Research Institute (IdiPAZ) Madrid, Spain; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Hospital La Paz Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Montero Vega
- La Paz Research Institute (IdiPAZ) Madrid, Spain; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Hospital La Paz Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Mellado
- La Paz Research Institute (IdiPAZ) Madrid, Spain; Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Spain; General Pediatrics and Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain; Red de Investigación Traslacional en Infectología Pediátrica (RITIP), Spain
| | - Milagros García López-Hortelano
- La Paz Research Institute (IdiPAZ) Madrid, Spain; General Pediatrics and Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain; Red de Investigación Traslacional en Infectología Pediátrica (RITIP), Spain
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Wikman-Jorgensen PE, Llenas-Garcia J, Shedrawy J, Gascon J, Muñoz J, Bisoffi Z, Requena-Mendez A. Cost-effectiveness of different strategies for screening and treatment of Strongyloides stercoralis in migrants from endemic countries to the European Union. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 5:bmjgh-2020-002321. [PMID: 32461226 PMCID: PMC7254101 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The best strategy for controlling morbidity due to imported strongyloidiasis in migrants is unclear. We evaluate the cost-effectiveness of six possible interventions. METHODS We developed a stochastic Markov chain model. The target population was adult migrants from endemic countries to the European Union; the time horizon, a lifetime and the perspective, that of the health system. Average and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ACER and ICER) were calculated as 2016 EUR/life-year gained (LYG). Health interventions compared were: base case (no programme), primary care-based presumptive treatment (PCPresTr), primary care-based serological screening and treatment (PCSerTr), hospital-based presumptive treatment (HospPresTr), hospital-based serological screening and treatment (HospSerTr), hospital-based presumptive treatment of immunosuppressed (HospPresTrim) and hospital-based serological screening and treatment of the immunosuppressed (HospSerTrim). The willingness to pay threshold (WTP) was €32 126.95/LYG. RESULTS The base case model yielded a loss of 2 486 708.24 life-years and cost EUR 3 238 393. Other interventions showed the following: PCPresTr: 2 488 095.47 life-years (Δ1 387.23LYG), cost: EUR 8 194 563; ACER: EUR 3573/LYG; PCSerTr: 2 488 085.8 life-years (Δ1377.57LYG), cost: EUR 207 679 077, ACER: EUR 148 407/LYG; HospPresTr: 2 488 046.17 life-years (Δ1337.92LYG), cost: EUR 14 559 575; ACER: EUR 8462/LYG; HospSerTr: 2 488 024.33 life-years (Δ1316.08LYG); cost: EUR 207 734 073; ACER: EUR 155 382/LYG; HospPresTrim: 2 488 093.93 life-years, cost: EUR 1 105 483; ACER: EUR -1539/LYG (cost savings); HospSerTrim: 2 488 073.8 life-years (Δ1365.55LYG), cost: EUR 4 274 239; ACER: EUR 759/LYG. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were undertaken; HospPresTrim remained below WTP for all parameters' ranges and iterations. CONCLUSION Presumptively treating all immunosuppressed migrants from areas with endemic Strongyloides would generate cost savings to the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Erick Wikman-Jorgensen
- Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitari San Juan de Alicante, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain .,Foundation for the Promotion of the Research in Healthcare and Biomedicine, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jara Llenas-Garcia
- Medicina Interna/Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Vega Baja-FISABIO, San Bartolome-Orihuela, Alicante, Spain.,Clinical Medicine, Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche Facultad de Medicina, Sant Joan D'Alacant, Spain
| | - Jad Shedrawy
- Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden
| | | | | | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Veneto, Italy.,Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Veneto, Italy
| | - Ana Requena-Mendez
- Instituto de Salud Global Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine-Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Joo H, Lee J, Maskery BA, Park C, Alpern JD, Phares CR, Weinberg M, Stauffer WM. The Effect of Drug Pricing on Outpatient Payments and Treatment for Three Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in the United States, 2010-2017. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:1851-1857. [PMID: 33684066 PMCID: PMC8103488 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The price of certain antiparasitic drugs (e.g., albendazole and mebendazole) has dramatically increased since 2010. The effect of these rising prices on treatment costs and use of standard of care (SOC) drugs is unknown. To measure the impact of drug prices on overall outpatient cost and quality of care, we identified outpatient visits associated with ascariasis, hookworm, and trichuriasis infections from the 2010 to 2017 MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters and Multi-state Medicaid databases using Truven Health MarketScan Treatment Pathways. Evaluation was limited to members with continuous enrollment in non-capitated plans 30 days prior, and 90 days following, the first diagnosis. The utilization of SOC prescriptions was considered a marker for quality of care. The impact of drug price on the outpatient expenses was measured by comparing the changes in drug and nondrug outpatient payments per patient through Welch's two sample t-tests. The total outpatient payments per patient (drug and nondrug), for the three parasitic infections, increased between 2010 and 2017. The increase was driven primarily by prescription drug payments, which increased 20.6-137.0 times, as compared with nondrug outpatient payments, which increased 0.3-2.2 times. As prices of mebendazole and albendazole increased, a shift to alternative SOC and non-SOC drug utilization was observed. Using parasitic infection treatment as a model, increases in prescription drug prices can act as the primary driver of increasing outpatient care costs. Simultaneously, there was a shift to alternative SOC, but also to non-SOC drug treatment, suggesting a decrease in quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heesoo Joo
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia;,Address correspondence to Heesoo Joo, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS H16-4, Atlanta, GA 30329. E-mail:
| | - Junsoo Lee
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia;,Department of Economics, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, New York
| | - Brian A. Maskery
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Chanhyun Park
- Department of Pharmacy and Health Systems Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jonathan D. Alpern
- HealthPartners Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota;,Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Christina R. Phares
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michelle Weinberg
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - William M. Stauffer
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia;,Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Webb JA, Fabreau G, Spackman E, Vaughan S, McBrien K. The cost-effectiveness of schistosomiasis screening and treatment among recently resettled refugees to Canada: an economic evaluation. CMAJ Open 2021; 9:E125-E133. [PMID: 33622765 PMCID: PMC8034375 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20190057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many refugees and asylum seekers from countries where schistosomiasis is endemic are infected with the Schistosoma parasite when they arrive in Canada. We assessed, from a systemic perspective, which of the following management strategies by health care providers is cost-effective: testing for schistosomiasis and treating if the individual is infected, treating presumptively or waiting for symptoms to emerge. METHODS We constructed a decision-tree model to examine the cost-effectiveness of 3 management strategies: watchful waiting, screening and treatment, and presumptive treatment. We obtained data for the model from the literature and other sources, to predict deaths and chronic complications caused by schistosomiasis, as well as costs and net monetary benefit. RESULTS Presumptive treatment was cost-saving if the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the target population was greater than 2.1%. In our baseline analysis, presumptive treatment was associated with an increase of 0.156 quality-adjusted life years and a cost saving of $405 per person, compared with watchful waiting. It was also more effective and less costly than screening and treatment. INTERPRETATION Among recently resettled refugees and asylum claimants in Canada, from countries where schistosomiasis is endemic, presumptive treatment was predicted to be less costly and more effective than watchful waiting or screening and treatment. Our results support a revision of the current Canadian recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Webb
- South Zone Medical Affairs, Alberta Health Services (Webb); Department of Community Health Sciences (Fabreau, Spackman, McBrien), O'Brien Institute for Public Health (Fabreau, Spackman, McBrien), Department of Medicine (Fabreau, Vaughan), Division of Infectious Diseases (Vaughan) and Department of Family Medicine (McBrien), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta
| | - Gabriel Fabreau
- South Zone Medical Affairs, Alberta Health Services (Webb); Department of Community Health Sciences (Fabreau, Spackman, McBrien), O'Brien Institute for Public Health (Fabreau, Spackman, McBrien), Department of Medicine (Fabreau, Vaughan), Division of Infectious Diseases (Vaughan) and Department of Family Medicine (McBrien), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta
| | - Eldon Spackman
- South Zone Medical Affairs, Alberta Health Services (Webb); Department of Community Health Sciences (Fabreau, Spackman, McBrien), O'Brien Institute for Public Health (Fabreau, Spackman, McBrien), Department of Medicine (Fabreau, Vaughan), Division of Infectious Diseases (Vaughan) and Department of Family Medicine (McBrien), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta
| | - Stephen Vaughan
- South Zone Medical Affairs, Alberta Health Services (Webb); Department of Community Health Sciences (Fabreau, Spackman, McBrien), O'Brien Institute for Public Health (Fabreau, Spackman, McBrien), Department of Medicine (Fabreau, Vaughan), Division of Infectious Diseases (Vaughan) and Department of Family Medicine (McBrien), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta
| | - Kerry McBrien
- South Zone Medical Affairs, Alberta Health Services (Webb); Department of Community Health Sciences (Fabreau, Spackman, McBrien), O'Brien Institute for Public Health (Fabreau, Spackman, McBrien), Department of Medicine (Fabreau, Vaughan), Division of Infectious Diseases (Vaughan) and Department of Family Medicine (McBrien), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta
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9
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Buonfrate D, Gobbi F, Marchese V, Postiglione C, Badona Monteiro G, Giorli G, Napoletano G, Bisoffi Z. Extended screening for infectious diseases among newly-arrived asylum seekers from Africa and Asia, Verona province, Italy, April 2014 to June 2015. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 23. [PMID: 29692316 PMCID: PMC5915973 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2018.23.16.17-00527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Management of health issues presented by newly-arrived migrants is often limited to communicable diseases even though other health issues may be more prevalent. We report the results of infectious disease screening proposed to 462 recently-arrived asylum seekers over 14 years of age in Verona province between April 2014 and June 2015. Methods: Screening for latent tuberculosis (TB) was performed via tuberculin skin test (TST) and/or QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-tube assay and/or chest X-ray. An ELISA was used to screen for syphilis. Stool microscopy was used to screen for helminthic infections, and serology was also used for strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis. Screening for the latter also included urine filtration and microscopy. Results: Most individuals came from sub-Saharan Africa (77.5%), with others coming from Asia (21.0%) and North Africa (1.5%). The prevalence of viral diseases/markers of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was 1.3%, HCV infection was 0.85% and hepatitis B virus surface antigen was 11.6%. Serological tests for syphilis were positive in 3.7% of individuals. Of 125 individuals screened for TB via the TST, 44.8% were positive and of 118 screened via the assay, 44.0% were positive. Of 458 individuals tested for strongyloidiasis, 91 (19.9%) were positive, and 76 of 358 (21.2%) individuals from sub-Saharan Africa were positive for schistosomiasis. Conclusions: The screening of viral diseases is questionable because of low prevalence and/or long-term, expensive treatments. For opposing reasons, helminthic infections are probably worth to be targeted by screening strategies in asylum seekers of selected countries of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Buonfrate
- Centre for Tropical Diseases (CTD), Sacro Cuore Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Federico Gobbi
- Centre for Tropical Diseases (CTD), Sacro Cuore Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Valentina Marchese
- University Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Centre for Tropical Diseases (CTD), Sacro Cuore Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Postiglione
- Prevention Department, Unità Locale Socio Sanitaria (ULSS) 9, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Giorli
- Centre for Tropical Diseases (CTD), Sacro Cuore Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Centre for Tropical Diseases (CTD), Sacro Cuore Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
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10
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Linton JM, Green A, Chilton LA, Duffee JH, Dilley KJ, Gutierrez JR, Keane VA, Krugman SD, McKelvey CD, Nelson JL. Providing Care for Children in Immigrant Families. Pediatrics 2019; 144:peds.2019-2077. [PMID: 31427460 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-2077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Children in immigrant families (CIF), who represent 1 in 4 children in the United States, represent a growing and ever more diverse US demographic that pediatric medical providers nationwide will increasingly encounter in clinical care. Immigrant children are those born outside the United States to non-US citizen parents, and CIF are defined as those who are either foreign born or have at least 1 parent who is foreign born. Some families immigrate for economic or educational reasons, and others come fleeing persecution and seeking safe haven. Some US-born children with a foreign-born parent may share vulnerabilities with children who themselves are foreign born, particularly regarding access to care and other social determinants of health. Therefore, the larger umbrella term of CIF is used in this statement. CIF, like all children, have diverse experiences that interact with their biopsychosocial development. CIF may face inequities that can threaten their health and well-being, and CIF also offer strengths and embody resilience that can surpass challenges experienced before and during integration. This policy statement describes the evolving population of CIF in the United States, briefly introduces core competencies to enhance care within a framework of cultural humility and safety, and discusses barriers and opportunities at the practice and systems levels. Practice-level recommendations describe how pediatricians can promote health equity for CIF through careful attention to core competencies in clinical care, thoughtful community engagement, and system-level support. Advocacy and policy recommendations offer ways pediatricians can advocate for policies that promote health equity for CIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M. Linton
- Departments of Pediatrics and Public Health, School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina, Greenville, South Carolina
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and
| | - Andrea Green
- Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
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11
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Heenan RC, Volkman T, Stokes S, Tosif S, Graham H, Smith A, Tran D, Paxton G. 'I think we've had a health screen': New offshore screening, new refugee health guidelines, new Syrian and Iraqi cohorts: Recommendations, reality, results and review. J Paediatr Child Health 2019; 55:95-103. [PMID: 30094942 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To examine refugee health assessments in Syrian and Iraqi children in the context of changes to offshore immigration screening, updated Australian refugee health guidelines and the primary care refugee health model in Victoria. METHODS This is a retrospective audit of Syrian and Iraqi children aged 0-17 years attending a specialist immigrant health service from January 2015 to September 2017. RESULTS We saw 128 children (7 months-16 years, 64.8% male). Prior to arrival, 58.9% of children had experienced trauma, and 67.9% had missed at least 1 year of school. Almost all children (93.3%) were linked with a regular general practitioner in Australia, and 23.6% children were linked with a refugee health nurse; offshore health records were infrequently available. Of school-aged children, 25% were not enrolled in school 3 months after arrival. Only 2 of 113 (1.8%) children had completed a recommended refugee health assessment, and 55.1% had commenced appropriate catch-up vaccination in primary care. After screening completion, the most prevalent conditions were low vitamin D (63.6%); growth/nutrition (24.2%), neurological/metabolic (16.4%), learning/behaviour (15.6%) and mental health (12.5%) concerns; latent tuberculosis infection (11.8%); and developmental delay (10.2%). Sixteen children required surgery after arrival, and six children had life-threatening medical conditions on arrival - only one had an offshore critical alert; care for the other five children resulted in 133 unanticipated hospital admission days. CONCLUSIONS There are substantial challenges with the current primary care screening model in Victoria. Disability, developmental and mental health concerns were prominent in this cohort, and many children had delays in education access, compounding prior disadvantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C Heenan
- Immigrant Health Service, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas Volkman
- Immigrant Health Service, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon Stokes
- Immigrant Health Service, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shidan Tosif
- Immigrant Health Service, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hamish Graham
- Immigrant Health Service, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrea Smith
- Immigrant Health Service, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Tran
- Immigrant Health Service, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Northern Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Georgia Paxton
- Immigrant Health Service, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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12
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Agbata EN, Morton RL, Bisoffi Z, Bottieau E, Greenaway C, Biggs BA, Montero N, Tran A, Rowbotham N, Arevalo-Rodriguez I, Myran DT, Noori T, Alonso-Coello P, Pottie K, Requena-Méndez A. Effectiveness of Screening and Treatment Approaches for Schistosomiasis and Strongyloidiasis in Newly-Arrived Migrants from Endemic Countries in the EU/EEA: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 16:ijerph16010011. [PMID: 30577567 PMCID: PMC6339107 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the evidence on screening and treatment for two parasitic infections-schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis-among migrants from endemic countries arriving in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA). We conducted a systematic search of multiple databases to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 1 January 1993 and 30 May 2016 presenting evidence on diagnostic and treatment efficacy and cost-effectiveness. We conducted additional systematic search for individual studies published between 2010 and 2017. We assessed the methodological quality of reviews and studies using the AMSTAR, Newcastle⁻Ottawa Scale and QUADAS-II tools. Study synthesis and assessment of the certainty of the evidence was performed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. We included 28 systematic reviews and individual studies in this review. The GRADE certainty of evidence was low for the effectiveness of screening techniques and moderate to high for treatment efficacy. Antibody-detecting serological tests are the most effective screening tests for detection of both schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis in low-endemicity settings, because they have higher sensitivity than conventional parasitological methods. Short courses of praziquantel and ivermectin were safe and highly effective and cost-effective in treating schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis, respectively. Economic modelling suggests presumptive single-dose treatment of strongyloidiasis with ivermectin for all migrants is likely cost-effective, but feasibility of this strategy has yet to be demonstrated in clinical studies. The evidence supports screening and treatment for schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis in migrants from endemic countries, to reduce morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric N. Agbata
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Roehampton London, London SW15 5PU, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Preventive Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Rachael L. Morton
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; (R.L.M.); (A.T.); (N.R.)
| | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Centre for Tropical Diseases (CTD), IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Negrar, Negrar, 37024 Verona, Italy;
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Emmanuel Bottieau
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 155 Nationalestraat, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Christina Greenaway
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Epidemiology, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada;
| | - Beverley-A. Biggs
- Department of Medicine at the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital RMH, Parkville VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Nadia Montero
- Centro de Investigación en Salud Pública y Epidemiología Clínica (CISPEC), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad Tecnológica Equinoccial, Quito 170509, Ecuador; (N.M.); (I.A.-R.)
| | - Anh Tran
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; (R.L.M.); (A.T.); (N.R.)
| | - Nick Rowbotham
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; (R.L.M.); (A.T.); (N.R.)
| | - Ingrid Arevalo-Rodriguez
- Centro de Investigación en Salud Pública y Epidemiología Clínica (CISPEC), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad Tecnológica Equinoccial, Quito 170509, Ecuador; (N.M.); (I.A.-R.)
- Clinical Biostatistics Unit, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal (IRYCIS); CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel T. Myran
- Bruyere Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
| | - Teymur Noori
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Gustav III: s Boulevard 40, 169 73 Solna, Sweden;
| | - Pablo Alonso-Coello
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Center, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau-CIBERESP), 08025 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Kevin Pottie
- Centre for Global Health Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
| | - Ana Requena-Méndez
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal-CRESIB, Hospital Clínic-University of Barcelona), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain;
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13
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Akiyama MJ, Brown JD. Human Strongyloidiasis in Hawaii: A Retrospective Review of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Serodiagnostic Testing. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 99:370-374. [PMID: 29943712 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Human strongyloidiasis is widely prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide but is not endemic in Hawaii. Subclinical, chronic infections may be lifelong; immunosuppressive therapy, particularly with glucocorticoids, may lead to serious or fatal disseminated disease, which is preventable. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients tested for Strongyloides immunoglobulin G antibody in an academic medical center in Honolulu, Hawaii, from 2005 to 2012. Of the 475 patients tested, 78 (16%) were seropositive. The largest proportion of seropositive cases was found among Micronesians (30%), Polynesians (26%), Filipinos (13%), and Southeast Asians (11%). Among the seropositive patients, the most likely reason for clinicians to order testing was blood eosinophilia. Stool parasite examination results were available for 58% of seropositive patients of which 11% were positive for Strongyloides stercoralis larvae. Antihelminthic therapy, usually ivermectin, was ordered for 71% of patients. After treatment, blood eosinophilia and Strongyloides serology results were reassessed for 76% and 35% of patients, respectively; both tests tended to show improvement. Travelers and immigrants from Strongyloides-endemic areas, including Micronesia and Polynesia, should have serodiagnostic testing for latent strongyloidiasis, and if positive, treated empirically with ivermectin, particularly when corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive therapies are anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Akiyama
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Joel D Brown
- The Queens Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii.,Department of Medicine, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, Hawaii
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14
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Beknazarova M, Whiley H, Judd JA, Shield J, Page W, Miller A, Whittaker M, Ross K. Argument for Inclusion of Strongyloidiasis in the Australian National Notifiable Disease List. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:E61. [PMID: 30274457 PMCID: PMC6073110 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3020061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is an infection caused by the helminth, Strongyloides stercoralis. Up to 370 million people are infected with the parasite globally, and it has remained endemic in the Indigenous Australian population for many decades. Strongyloidiasis has been also reported in other Australian populations. Ignorance of this disease has caused unnecessary costs to the government health system, and been detrimental to the Australian people's health. This manuscript addresses the 12 criteria required for a disease to be included in the Australian National Notifiable Disease List (NNDL) under the National Health Security Act 2007 (Commonwealth). There are six main arguments that provide compelling justification for strongyloidiasis to be made nationally notifiable and added to the Australian NNDL. These are: The disease is important to Indigenous health, and closing the health inequity gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians is a priority; a public health response is required to detect cases of strongyloidiasis and to establish the true incidence and prevalence of the disease; there is no alternative national surveillance system to gather data on the disease; there are preventive measures with high efficacy and low side effects; data collection is feasible as cases are definable by microscopy, PCR, or serological diagnostics; and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) # 6 on clean water and sanitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meruyert Beknazarova
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Harriet Whiley
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Jenni A Judd
- School of Health Medical and Applied Sciences, Centre of Indigenous Health Equity Research, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD 4670, Australia.
| | - Jennifer Shield
- Department of Pharmacy and Applied Science, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia.
| | - Wendy Page
- Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, Nhulunbuy, NT 0881, Australia.
- Public Health and Tropical Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia.
| | - Adrian Miller
- Indigenous Research Unit, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Maxine Whittaker
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
| | - Kirstin Ross
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
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15
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Mitchell T, Lee D, Weinberg M, Phares C, James N, Amornpaisarnloet K, Aumpipat L, Cooley G, Davies A, Tin Shwe VD, Gajdadziev V, Gorbacheva O, Khwan-Niam C, Klosovsky A, Madilokkowit W, Martin D, Htun Myint NZ, Yen Nguyen TN, Nutman TB, O'Connell EM, Ortega L, Prayadsab S, Srimanee C, Supakunatom W, Vesessmith V, Stauffer WM. Impact of Enhanced Health Interventions for United States-Bound Refugees: Evaluating Best Practices in Migration Health. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 98:920-928. [PMID: 29260657 PMCID: PMC5930906 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
With an unprecedented number of displaced persons worldwide, strategies for improving the health of migrating populations are critical. United States-bound refugees undergo a required overseas medical examination to identify inadmissible conditions (e.g., tuberculosis) 2-6 months before resettlement, but it is limited in scope and may miss important, preventable infectious, chronic, or nutritional causes of morbidity. We sought to evaluate the feasibility and health impact of diagnosis and management of such conditions before travel. We offered voluntary testing for intestinal parasites, anemia, and hepatitis B virus infection, to U.S.-bound refugees from three Thailand-Burma border camps. Treatment and preventive measures (e.g., anemia and parasite treatment, vaccination) were initiated before resettlement. United States refugee health partners received overseas results and provided post-arrival medical examination findings. During July 9, 2012 to November 29, 2013, 2,004 refugees aged 0.5-89 years enrolled. Among 463 participants screened for seven intestinal parasites overseas and after arrival, helminthic infections decreased from 67% to 12%. Among 118 with positive Strongyloides-specific antibody responses, the median fluorescent intensity decreased by an average of 81% after treatment. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe anemia (hemoglobin < 10 g/dL) was halved from 14% at baseline to 7% at departure (McNemar P = 0.001). All 191 (10%) hepatitis B-infected participants received counseling and evaluation; uninfected participants were offered vaccination. This evaluation demonstrates that targeted screening, treatment, and prevention services can be conducted during the migration process to improve the health of refugees before resettlement. With more than 250 million migrants globally, this model may offer insights into healthier migration strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarissa Mitchell
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Deborah Lee
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michelle Weinberg
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Christina Phares
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nicola James
- International Organization for Migration, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Gretchen Cooley
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Anita Davies
- International Organization for Migration, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Diana Martin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | - Thomas B Nutman
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Elise M O'Connell
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Luis Ortega
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | | | | | - William M Stauffer
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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16
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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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17
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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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18
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Pavli A, Maltezou H. Health problems of newly arrived migrants and refugees in Europe. J Travel Med 2017; 24:3095987. [PMID: 28426115 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/tax016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of migrants and refugees in Europe in the past few years has increased dramatically due to war, violence or prosecutions in their homeland. Migration may affect physical, mental and social health. The objective of this article is to assess migrants and refugees' health problems, and to recommend appropriate interventions. METHODS A PubMed search of published articles on health problems of newly arrived migrants and refugees was conducted from 2003 through 2016, focusing on the current refugee crisis in Europe. RESULTS In addition to communicable diseases, such as respiratory, gastrointestinal and dermatologic infections, non-communicable diseases, including chronic conditions, mental and social problems, account for a significant morbidity burden in newly arrived migrants and refugees. Vaccine-preventable diseases are also of outmost importance. The appropriate management of newly arrived refugees and migrants' health problems is affected by barriers to access to health care including legal, communication, cultural and bureaucratic difficulties. There is diversity and lack of integration regarding health care provision across Europe due to policy differences between health care systems and social services. CONCLUSION There is a notable burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases among newly arrived migrants and refugees. Provision of health care at reception and temporary centres should be integrated and provided by a multidisciplinary team Appropriate health care of migrants and refugees could greatly enhance their health and social status which will benefit also the host countries at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Androula Pavli
- Travel Medicine Office, Department for Interventions in Health-Care Facilities, Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Marousi, Greece
| | - Helena Maltezou
- Travel Medicine Office, Department for Interventions in Health-Care Facilities, Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Marousi, Greece
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19
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Seroprevalence of five neglected parasitic diseases among immigrants accessing five infectious and tropical diseases units in Italy: a cross-sectional study. Clin Microbiol Infect 2017; 23:335.e1-335.e5. [PMID: 28259548 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2017.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This multicentre cross-sectional study aims to estimate the prevalence of five neglected tropical diseases (Chagas disease, filariasis, schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis and toxocariasis) among immigrants accessing health care facilities in five Italian cities (Bologna, Brescia, Florence, Rome, Verona). METHODS Individuals underwent a different set of serological tests, according to country of origin and presence of eosinophilia. Seropositive patients were treated and further followed up. RESULTS A total of 930 adult immigrants were enrolled: 477 men (51.3%), 445 women (47.9%), eight transgender (0.8%); median age was 37.81 years (range 18-80 years). Most of them had come from the African continent (405/930, 43.5%), the rest from East Europe, South America and Asia, and 9.6% (89/930) were diagnosed with at least one of the infections under study. Seroprevalence of each specific infection varied from 3.9% (7/180) for Chagas disease to 9.7% (11/113) for toxocariasis. Seropositive people were more likely to be 35-40 years old and male, and to come from South East Asia, sub-Saharan Africa or South America. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study confirm that neglected tropical diseases represent a substantial health problem among immigrants and highlight the need to address this emerging public health issue.
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20
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Junior KN, Zaman R, Zaman MH, Zaman T. Twenty-five Years of Chronic Strongyloidiasis in an Immigrant. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-CASE REPORTS 2017; 10:1179547616684828. [PMID: 28469498 PMCID: PMC5398304 DOI: 10.1177/1179547616684828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic strongyloidiasis is an infection of the tropical regions, caused by the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis. In the United States, patients are typically immigrants. The very long asymptomatic phase followed by the clinical presentation of the disease mimics asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as in this case report. The inconsistency of eosinophilia and the low sensitivity of microscopic stool examination make chronic strongyloidiasis a disease that is frequently misdiagnosed in the United States. The use of corticosteroids in these misdiagnosed cases transforms chronic strongyloidiasis into disseminated strongyloidiasis or hyperacute syndrome, which leads to high mortality. Iatrogenic errors represent the essential cause of mortality due to chronic strongyloidiasis in the United States. We recommend a high index of suspicion of chronic strongyloidiasis when a physician approaches an immigrant presenting with symptoms mimicking asthma, COPD, and IBD with subcutaneous masses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rehana Zaman
- Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Medical University of Setif, Algeria
| | - Mohammed H Zaman
- Division of Critical Care, Brookdale University Hospital & Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Taufiq Zaman
- Internal Medicine Residency, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Brighton, MA, USA
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21
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Beknazarova M, Whiley H, Ross K. Advocating for both Environmental and Clinical Approaches to Control Human Strongyloidiasis. Pathogens 2016; 5:E59. [PMID: 27706031 PMCID: PMC5198159 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens5040059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is an underestimated disease caused by the soil-transmitted parasite of the genus Strongyloides. It is prevalent in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities and it is estimated that global infection could be as high as 370 million people. This paper explores current methods of strongyloidiasis treatment, which rely on administration of anthelminthic drugs. However these drugs cannot prevent reinfection and drug resistance has already been observed in veterinary models. This highlights the need for a combined approach for controlling Strongyloides that includes both clinical treatment and environmental control methods. Currently, nematicides are widely used to control plant parasites. The review suggests that due to the species' similarity and similar modes of action, these nematicides could also be used to control animal and human parasitic nematodes in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meruyert Beknazarova
- School of the Environment, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, Australia.
| | - Harriet Whiley
- School of the Environment, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, Australia.
| | - Kirstin Ross
- School of the Environment, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, Australia.
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Maskery B, Coleman MS, Weinberg M, Zhou W, Rotz L, Klosovsky A, Cantey PT, Fox LM, Cetron MS, Stauffer WM. Economic Analysis of the Impact of Overseas and Domestic Treatment and Screening Options for Intestinal Helminth Infection among US-Bound Refugees from Asia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004910. [PMID: 27509077 PMCID: PMC4980012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many U.S.-bound refugees travel from countries where intestinal parasites (hookworm, Trichuris trichuria, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Strongyloides stercoralis) are endemic. These infections are rare in the United States and may be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leading to potentially serious consequences. This evaluation examined the costs and benefits of combinations of overseas presumptive treatment of parasitic diseases vs. domestic screening/treating vs. no program. METHODS An economic decision tree model terminating in Markov processes was developed to estimate the cost and health impacts of four interventions on an annual cohort of 27,700 U.S.-bound Asian refugees: 1) "No Program," 2) U.S. "Domestic Screening and Treatment," 3) "Overseas Albendazole and Ivermectin" presumptive treatment, and 4) "Overseas Albendazole and Domestic Screening for Strongyloides". Markov transition state models were used to estimate long-term effects of parasitic infections. Health outcome measures (four parasites) included outpatient cases, hospitalizations, deaths, life years, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). RESULTS The "No Program" option is the least expensive ($165,923 per cohort) and least effective option (145 outpatient cases, 4.0 hospitalizations, and 0.67 deaths discounted over a 60-year period for a one-year cohort). The "Overseas Albendazole and Ivermectin" option ($418,824) is less expensive than "Domestic Screening and Treatment" ($3,832,572) or "Overseas Albendazole and Domestic Screening for Strongyloides" ($2,182,483). According to the model outcomes, the most effective treatment option is "Overseas Albendazole and Ivermectin," which reduces outpatient cases, deaths and hospitalization by around 80% at an estimated net cost of $458,718 per death averted, or $2,219/$24,036 per QALY/life year gained relative to "No Program". DISCUSSION Overseas presumptive treatment for U.S.-bound refugees is a cost-effective intervention that is less expensive and at least as effective as domestic screening and treatment programs. The addition of ivermectin to albendazole reduces the prevalence of chronic strongyloidiasis and the probability of rare, but potentially fatal, disseminated strongyloidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Maskery
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Margaret S. Coleman
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Michelle Weinberg
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Weigong Zhou
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lisa Rotz
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Alexander Klosovsky
- International Organization for Migration, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Paul T. Cantey
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - LeAnne M. Fox
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Martin S. Cetron
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - William M. Stauffer
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
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Pochineni V, Lal D, Hasnayen S, Restrepo E. Fatal Strongyloides Hyperinfection Syndrome in an Immunocompromised Patient. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2015; 16:603-5. [PMID: 26348071 PMCID: PMC4573068 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.894110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, it is normal to screen for Strongyloides as part of the workup in pre-transplant patients who have eosinophilia. Given the high mortality rates in Strongyloides hyperinfection, this article illustrates the need to screen all patients with eosinophilia who will be started on immunosuppression. CASE REPORT We present here an interesting case of a 76-year-old man with membranous glomerulopathy who developed a severe Strongyloides hyperinfection that required an ICU stay and ultimately led to his death a few weeks after initiation of cyclophosphamide and steroids. CONCLUSIONS We recommend that a detailed workup to detect or rule out this parasitic infection be conducted prior to the initiation of immunosuppression in any patient with eosinophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishnavi Pochineni
- Department of Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Queens Hospital Center, Jamaica, USA
| | - Darshan Lal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Queens Hospital Center, Jamaica, USA
| | - Shahed Hasnayen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Queens Hospital Center, Jamaica, USA
| | - Erfidia Restrepo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Queens Hospital Center, Jamaica, USA
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Immigration, helminths and eosinophilia: A complex triad. Travel Med Infect Dis 2015; 13:283-4. [PMID: 26119540 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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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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Monge-Maillo B, López-Vélez R, Norman FF, Ferrere-González F, Martínez-Pérez Á, Pérez-Molina JA. Screening of imported infectious diseases among asymptomatic sub-Saharan African and Latin American immigrants: a public health challenge. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015; 92:848-56. [PMID: 25646257 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Migrants from developing countries are usually young and healthy but several studies report they may harbor asymptomatic infections for prolonged periods. Prevalence of infections were determined for asymptomatic immigrants from Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa who ettended to a European Tropical Medicine Referral Center from 2000 to 2009. A systematic screening protocol for selected infections was used. Data from 317 sub-Saharan Africans and 383 Latin Americans were analyzed. Patients were mostly young (mean age 29 years); there were significantly more males among sub-Saharan Africans (83% versus 31.6%) and pre-consultation period was longer for Latin Americans (5 versus 42 months). Diagnoses of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), chronic hepatitis B and C virus infection, and latent tuberculosis were significantly more frequent in sub-Saharan Africans (2.3% versus 0.3%; 14% versus 1.6%; 1.3 versus 0%; 71% versus 32.1%). There were no significant differences in prevalence for syphilis and intestinal parasites. Malaria and schistosomiasis prevalence in sub-Saharan Africans was 4.6% and 5.9%, respectively, and prevalence of Chagas disease in Latin Americans was 48.5%. Identifying and treating asymptomatic imported infectious diseases may have an impact both for the individual concerned and for public health. Based on these results, a systematic screening protocol for asymptomatic immigrants is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Begoña Monge-Maillo
- Tropical Medicine and Clinical Parasitology, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rogelio López-Vélez
- Tropical Medicine and Clinical Parasitology, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesca F Norman
- Tropical Medicine and Clinical Parasitology, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Federico Ferrere-González
- Tropical Medicine and Clinical Parasitology, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángela Martínez-Pérez
- Tropical Medicine and Clinical Parasitology, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Antonio Pérez-Molina
- Tropical Medicine and Clinical Parasitology, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain
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Gan RWC, Gohil R, Belfield K, Davies P, Daniel M. Acute airway obstruction by Ascaris lumbricoides in a 14-month-old boy. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2014; 78:1795-8. [PMID: 25129847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2014.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2014] [Revised: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We describe the case of a 14-month-old child with airway obstruction caused by a mature Ascaris lumbricoides worm. The child had been admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit due to overwhelming sepsis, and during the course of his illness developed acute airway obstruction that resolved once the worm was removed from the airway. The Ascaris life-cycle is detailed, and a literature review of patients with airway obstruction due to Ascaris worms is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Wei Chern Gan
- Ear, Nose & Throat Department, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Derby Rd, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Rohit Gohil
- Ear, Nose & Throat Department, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
| | - Katherine Belfield
- Biomaterials-Related Infection Group, Orthopaedic & Accident Surgery, The University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Patrick Davies
- Paediatric Intensive Care Department, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
| | - Matija Daniel
- Ear, Nose & Throat Department, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
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Schulz TR, McBryde ES, Leder K, Biggs BA. Using stool antigen to screen for Helicobacter pylori in immigrants and refugees from high prevalence countries is relatively cost effective in reducing the burden of gastric cancer and peptic ulceration. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108610. [PMID: 25268809 PMCID: PMC4182532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Refugees and immigrants from developing countries settling in industrialised countries have a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Screening these groups for H. pylori and use of eradication therapy to reduce the future burden of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease is not currently recommended in most countries. We investigated whether a screening and eradication approach would be cost effective in high prevalence populations. METHODS Nine different screening and follow-up strategies for asymptomatic immigrants from high H. pylori prevalence areas were compared with the current approach of no screening. Cost effectiveness comparisons assumed population prevalence's of H. pylori of 25%, 50% or 75%. The main outcome measure was the net cost for each cancer prevented for each strategy. Total costs of each strategy and net costs including savings from reductions in ulcers and gastric cancer were also calculated. RESULTS Stool antigen testing with repeat testing after treatment was the most cost effective approach relative to others, for each prevalence value. The net cost per cancer prevented with this strategy was US$111,800 (assuming 75% prevalence), $132,300 (50%) and $193,900 (25%). A test and treat strategy using stool antigen remained relatively cost effective, even when the prevalence was 25%. CONCLUSIONS H. pylori screening and eradication can be an effective strategy for reducing rates of gastric cancer and peptic ulcers in high prevalence populations and our data suggest that use of stool antigen testing is the most cost effective approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R. Schulz
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, at the Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma S. McBryde
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, at the Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute Prahran, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karin Leder
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Beverley-Ann Biggs
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, at the Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Dang K, Tribble AC. Strategies in infectious disease prevention and management among US-bound refugee children. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2014; 44:196-207. [PMID: 25042432 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2014.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
For multiple reasons, including exposure to violence or trauma, nutritional deficiencies, and an inconsistent medical infrastructure, refugee children are at an increased risk for many infectious diseases. Among these are tuberculosis, malaria, helminthic infections, and neglected tropical diseases. Our purposes are to review the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's pre-departure program of testing and presumptive therapy for these infections and to review the possible presentations, symptomatology, diagnostic tools, and recommended therapies, if necessary, upon arrival to the US. An understanding of these non-endemic infections, their diagnosis, and their management will improve the domestic medical exam and help to ease the transition for newly arrived immigrant children, their families, and their receiving communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoi Dang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Alison C Tribble
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
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Comparison of three immunoassays for detection of antibodies to Strongyloides stercoralis. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2014; 21:732-6. [PMID: 24648484 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00041-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Due to the limited sensitivities of stool-based microscopy and/or culture techniques for Strongyloides stercoralis, the detection of antibodies to this intestinal nematode is relied upon as a surrogate for determining exposure status or making a diagnosis of S. stercoralis infection. Here, we evaluated three immunoassays, including the recently released InBios Strongy Detect IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (InBios International, Inc., Seattle, WA), the SciMedx Strongyloides serology microwell ELISA (SciMedx Corporation, Denville, NJ), and the luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) assay performed at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), for their detection of IgG antibodies to S. stercoralis. A total of 101 retrospective serum samples, previously submitted for routine S. stercoralis antibody detection using the SciMedx assay, were also evaluated by the InBios and LIPS assays. The qualitative results from each assay were compared using a Venn diagram analysis, to the consensus result among the three assays, and each ELISA was also evaluated using the LIPS assay as the reference standard. By Venn diagram analysis, 65% (66/101) of the samples demonstrated perfect agreement by all three assays. Also, the numbers of samples considered positive or negative by a single method were similar. Compared to the consensus result, the overall percent agreement of the InBios, SciMedx, and LIPS assays were comparable at 87.1%, 84.2%, and 89.1%, respectively. Finally, the two ELISAs performed analogously but demonstrated only moderate agreement (kappa coefficient for the two assays, 0.53) with the LIPS assay. Collectively, while the two commercially available ELISAs perform equivalently, neither should be used independently of clinical evaluation to diagnose strongyloidiasis.
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Cuenca-Gómez JA, Salas-Coronas J, Cabezas-Fernández MT, Vázquez-Villegas J, Soriano-Pérez MJ, Cobo F. Uncinariasis importada en Almería. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2013; 31:599-601. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2013.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2013] [Revised: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Stauffer WM, Cantey PT, Montgomery S, Fox L, Parise ME, Gorbacheva O, Weinberg M, Doney A, Rotz L, Cetron MS. Presumptive Treatment and Medical Screening for Parasites in Refugees Resettling to the United States. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2013; 15:222-31. [DOI: 10.1007/s11908-013-0331-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Parasitic disease screening among HIV patients from endemic countries in a Toronto clinic. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2013; 23:23-7. [PMID: 23450241 DOI: 10.1155/2012/154696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many North American-based HIV patients originate from parasitic disease-endemic regions. Strongyloidiasis, schistosomiasis and filariasis are important due to their wide distribution and potential for severe morbidity. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence, as determined by serological screening, of strongyloidiasis, schistosomiasis and filariasis among patients in an HIV-focused, primary care practice in Toronto, Ontario. A secondary objective was to determine factors associated with positive serological screens. METHODS A retrospective review of electronic patient records was conducted. Results of serological screens for parasites and relevant laboratory data were collected. RESULTS Ninety-seven patients were identified. The patients' mean CD4(+) count was 0.45×10(9)/L, median viral load was undetectable and 68% were on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Most originated from Africa (37%) and South America (35%). Of the 97 patients, 10.4% and 8.3% had positive or equivocal screening results for strongyloidiasis, respectively, 7.4% and 4.2% had positive or equivocal screening results for schistosomiasis and 5.5% and 6.8% had positive or equivocal screens for filariasis. Persons with positive parasitic serologies were more often female (28% versus 9%, P=0.03), younger in age (36 versus 43 years of age, P<0.01), had been in Canada for a shorter duration (5 versus 12 years, P<0.0001) and had a higher viral load (10,990 copies/mL versus <50 copies/mL, P <0.001). All patients were asymptomatic. Eosinophilia was not associated with positive screening results. CONCLUSIONS Using symptoms and eosinophilia to identify parasitic infection was not reliable. Screening for strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis among patients with HIV from parasite-endemic countries is simple and benign, and may prevent future complications. The clinical benefits of screening for filariasis require further elucidation, but this practice appears to be the least warranted. BACKGROUND Many North American-based HIV patients originate from parasitic disease-endemic regions. Strongyloidiasis, schistosomiasis and filariasis are important due to their wide distribution and potential for severe morbidity. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence, as determined by serological screening, of strongyloidiasis, schistosomiasis and filariasis among patients in an HIV-focused, primary care practice in Toronto, Ontario. A secondary objective was to determine factors associated with positive serological screens. METHODS A retrospective review of electronic patient records was conducted. Results of serological screens for parasites and relevant laboratory data were collected. RESULTS Ninety-seven patients were identified. The patients’ mean CD4+ count was 0.45×109/L, median viral load was undetectable and 68% were on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Most originated from Africa (37%) and South America (35%). Of the 97 patients, 10.4% and 8.3% had positive or equivocal screening results for strongyloidiasis, respectively, 7.4% and 4.2% had positive or equivocal screening results for schistosomiasis and 5.5% and 6.8% had positive or equivocal screens for filariasis. Persons with positive parasitic serologies were more often female (28% versus 9%, P=0.03), younger in age (36 versus 43 years of age, P<0.01), had been in Canada for a shorter duration (5 versus 12 years, P<0.0001) and had a higher viral load (10,990 copies/mL versus <50 copies/mL, P <0.001). All patients were asymptomatic. Eosinophilia was not associated with positive screening results. CONCLUSIONS Using symptoms and eosinophilia to identify parasitic infection was not reliable. Screening for strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis among patients with HIV from parasite-endemic countries is simple and benign, and may prevent future complications. The clinical benefits of screening for filariasis require further elucidation, but this practice appears to be the least warranted.
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Chang AH, Perry S, Du JNT, Agunbiade A, Polesky A, Parsonnet J. Decreasing intestinal parasites in recent Northern California refugees. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012; 88:191-7. [PMID: 23149583 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.12-0349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Beginning in 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded the overseas presumptive treatment of intestinal parasites with albendazole to include refugees from the Middle East. We surveyed the prevalence of helminths and protozoa in recent Middle Eastern refugees (2008-2010) in comparison with refugees from other geographical regions and from a previous survey (2001-2004) in Santa Clara County, California. Based on stool microscopy, helminth infections decreased, particularly in Middle Eastern refugees (0.1% versus 2.3% 2001-2004, P = 0.01). Among all refugees, Giardia intestinalis was the most common protozoan found. Protozoa infections also decreased somewhat in Middle Eastern refugees (7.2%, 2008-2010 versus 12.9%, 2001-2004, P = 0.08). Serology for Strongyloides stercoralis and Schistosoma spp. identified more infected individuals than stool exams. Helminth infections are increasingly rare in refugees to Northern California. Routine screening stool microscopy may be unnecessary in all refugees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia H Chang
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
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Swanson SJ, Phares CR, Mamo B, Smith KE, Cetron MS, Stauffer WM. Albendazole therapy and enteric parasites in United States-bound refugees. N Engl J Med 2012; 366:1498-507. [PMID: 22512482 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1103360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beginning on May 1, 1999, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended presumptive treatment of refugees for intestinal parasites with a single dose of albendazole (600 mg), administered overseas before departure for the United States. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 26,956 African and Southeast Asian refugees who were screened by means of microscopical examination of stool specimens for intestinal parasites on resettlement in Minnesota between 1993 and 2007. Adjusted prevalence ratios for intestinal nematodes, schistosoma species, giardia, and entamoeba were calculated among refugees who migrated before versus those who migrated after the CDC recommendation of presumptive predeparture albendazole treatment. RESULTS Among 4370 untreated refugees, 20.8% had at least one stool nematode, most commonly hookworm (in 9.2%). Among 22,586 albendazole-treated refugees, only 4.7% had one or more nematodes, most commonly trichuris (in 3.9%). After adjustment for sex, age, and region, albendazole-treated refugees were less likely than untreated refugees to have any nematodes (prevalence ratio, 0.19), ascaris (prevalence ratio, 0.06), hookworm (prevalence ratio, 0.07), or trichuris (prevalence ratio, 0.27) but were not less likely to have giardia or entamoeba. Schistosoma ova were identified exclusively among African refugees and were less prevalent among those treated with albendazole (prevalence ratio, 0.60). After implementation of the albendazole protocol, the most common pathogens among 17,011 African refugees were giardia (in 5.7%), trichuris (in 5.0%), and schistosoma (in 1.8%); among 5575 Southeast Asian refugees, only giardia remained highly prevalent (present in 17.2%). No serious adverse events associated with albendazole use were reported. CONCLUSIONS Presumptive albendazole therapy administered overseas before departure for the United States was associated with a decrease in the prevalence of intestinal nematodes among newly arrived African and Southeast Asian refugees.
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Staat MA, Rice M, Donauer S, Mukkada S, Holloway M, Cassedy A, Kelley J, Salisbury S. Intestinal parasite screening in internationally adopted children: importance of multiple stool specimens. Pediatrics 2011; 128:e613-22. [PMID: 21824880 PMCID: PMC9923786 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-3032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our goal was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in internationally adopted children, to examine factors associated with infection, and to determine if evaluating multiple stool specimens increases the yield of parasite identification. METHODS We evaluated internationally adopted children with at least 1 stool specimen submitted for ova and parasite testing within 120 days after arrival to the United States. In children submitting 3 stool specimens, in which at least 1 specimen was positive for the pathogen studied, we examined whether multiple stool specimens increased the likelihood of pathogen identification. RESULTS Of the 1042 children studied, 27% had at least 1 pathogen identified; with pathogen-specific prevalence of Giardia intestinalis (19%), Blastocystis hominis (10%), Dientamoeba fragilis (5%), Entamoeba histolytica (1%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1%), and Hymenolepsis species (1%). The lowest prevalence occurred in South Korean (0%), Guatemalan (9%), and Chinese (13%) children, and the highest prevalence occurred in Ethiopian (55%) and Ukrainian (74%) children. Increasing age was significantly associated with parasite identification, whereas malnutrition and gastrointestinal symptoms were not. Overall, the yield of 1 stool specimen was 79% with pathogen recovery significantly increasing for 2 (92%) and 3 (100%) specimens, respectively (P < .0001). Pathogen identification also significantly increased with evaluation of additional stool specimens for children with and without gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS We provide data for evidence-based guidelines for intestinal parasite screening in internationally adopted children. Gastrointestinal symptoms were not predictive of pathogen recovery, and multiple stool specimens increased pathogen identification in this high-risk group of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Allen Staat
- Division of Infectious Diseases, MLC 7013, International Adoption Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, ML 7036, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA.
| | - Marilyn Rice
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Stephanie Donauer
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Sheena Mukkada
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; and
| | - Michol Holloway
- College of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Amy Cassedy
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Jennifer Kelley
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Shelia Salisbury
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Asgary R, Naderi R, Swedish KA, Smith CL, Sckell B, Doorley S. Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Among Recent Immigrants with Implications for Primary care; a Comprehensive Immigrant Health Approach. J Immigr Minor Health 2011; 13:990-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s10903-011-9476-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Hochberg NS, Moro RN, Sheth AN, Montgomery SP, Steurer F, McAuliffe IT, Wang YF, Armstrong W, Rivera HN, Lennox JL, Franco-Paredes C. High prevalence of persistent parasitic infections in foreign-born, HIV-infected persons in the United States. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2011; 5:e1034. [PMID: 21532747 PMCID: PMC3075235 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2010] [Accepted: 03/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Foreign-born, HIV-infected persons are at risk for sub-clinical parasitic infections acquired in their countries of origin. The long-term consequences of co-infections can be severe, yet few data exist on parasitic infection prevalence in this population. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS This cross-sectional study evaluated 128 foreign-born persons at one HIV clinic. We performed stool studies and serologic testing for strongyloidiasis, schistosomiasis, filarial infection, and Chagas disease based on the patient's country of birth. Eosinophilia and symptoms were examined as predictors of helminthic infection. Of the 128 participants, 86 (67%) were male, and the median age was 40 years; 70 were Mexican/Latin American, 40 African, and 18 from other countries or regions. Strongyloides stercoralis antibodies were detected in 33/128 (26%) individuals. Of the 52 persons from schistosomiasis-endemic countries, 15 (29%) had antibodies to schistosome antigens; 7 (47%) had antibodies to S. haematobium, 5 (33%) to S. mansoni, and 3 (20%) to both species. Stool ova and parasite studies detected helminths in 5/85 (6%) persons. None of the patients tested had evidence of Chagas disease (n = 77) or filarial infection (n = 52). Eosinophilia >400 cells/mm(3) was associated with a positive schistosome antibody test (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.1-19.0). The only symptom significantly associated with strongyloidiasis was weight loss (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.4-7.2). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Given the high prevalence of certain helminths and the potential lack of suggestive symptoms and signs, selected screening for strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis or use of empiric antiparasitic therapy may be appropriate among foreign-born, HIV-infected patients. Identifying and treating helminth infections could prevent long-term complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha S. Hochberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ruth N. Moro
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Anandi N. Sheth
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Susan P. Montgomery
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Frank Steurer
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Isabel T. McAuliffe
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Yun F. Wang
- Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Wendy Armstrong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Hilda N. Rivera
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey L. Lennox
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Carlos Franco-Paredes
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico
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Smith PJ, Theis B, McCartney S, Brown M. Helminths: an unrecognised disease burden prevalent among migrants in the gastroenterology clinic. Frontline Gastroenterol 2011; 2:124-129. [PMID: 28839594 PMCID: PMC5517209 DOI: 10.1136/fg.2010.003392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of, and implement a diagnostic strategy for, imported helminth infection in the gastroenterology clinic. DESIGN A retrospective study of eosinophil count and probable tropical exposure (phase I) followed by a prospective study of parasitological investigation (phase II). SETTING Gastroenterology service of an inner London hospital. PATIENTS Adult patients newly attending general gastroenterology and inflammatory bowel disease clinics. INTERVENTIONS In phase I, evidence of undiagnosed helminth infection was sought by analysing patient records for associations between eosinophil count and ethnicity. In phase II, a UK guideline for investigation of eosinophilia in migrants was implemented and diagnostic yield determined. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES In phase I, prevalence of eosinophilia was determined; in phase II, helminth prevalence and degree of eosinophilia before and after treatment were reported. Information on symptomatic response to treatment was recorded. Ethnicity was used as a proxy measure for tropical exposure. RESULTS 426 new patients attended in a 12 month period. Eosinophilia was present in 27 (6.3%). 10/27 (37.0%) patients with eosinophilia were of African or Asian ethnicity whereas only 20% (85/426) of patients overall were from these ethnic groups (χ2=5.27, p=0.02). Following implementation of the protocol, 25/36 migrants with eosinophilia attended for parasitological investigations. Helminth infection was diagnosed in 10/25 (40%). Strongyloidiasis (six patients) and schistosomiasis (three patients) were the most common diagnoses. Median eosinophil count was 1.06×109/l in those with helminths and 0.58×109/l in those without (p=0.004). Eosinophil counts normalised in, and symptomatic improvement was reported by, most patients after treatment. CONCLUSIONS Eosinophilia is associated with African or Asian ethnicity in an inner city gastroenterology service. This association is probably explained by imported helminths, which are prevalent in this setting, may be a cause of gastrointestinal symptoms and is easily diagnosed and treated by standard protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Smith
- Department of Gastroenterology, University College London Hospital, London, UK,Department of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - B Theis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - S McCartney
- Department of Gastroenterology, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - M Brown
- Department of Gastroenterology, University College London Hospital, London, UK,Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, UK,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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A practical approach to eosinophilia in a child arriving or returning from the tropics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 697:289-99. [PMID: 21120734 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-7185-2_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
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Ramos JM, Masiá M, Padilla S, Escolano C, Bernal E, Gutiérrez F. [Imported and non-imported diseases in the immigrant population. A decade of experience from an infectious diseases unit]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2011; 29:185-92. [PMID: 21349607 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2010.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2010] [Revised: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 11/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immigration is an inexorable process. Immigrants may suffer infectious diseases commonly seen in our environment, or those more exotic or more prevalent in their own environment. MATERIAL AND METHODS A study was performed including all immigrants see in an Infectious Diseases Unit of a general hospital from June 2001 to May 2010. RESULTS We studied 1,071 patients from Latin America (n=405, 37.8%), Northern Africa (n=281, 26.2%), Eastern Europe (n=186, 17.4%), sub-Saharan Africa (n=178, 16.6%), and Asia (21, 2.0%). Transmissible infectious diseases were the leading cause of consultation (53.8%), and they were more common among people coming from Northern Africa (61.6%) and Eastern Europe (69.4%) (P=.001). The second reason for consultation was for common infectious diseases (29%). Tropical infectious diseases were diagnosed in 16.4% of the patients, particularly from sub-Saharan Africa (36%), and Latin America (25.9%) (P<.001). The most common diagnoses were latent tuberculous infection (20.8%) [most common in those from Eastern Europe (27.4%) (P=.004)], respiratory tract infection (12.5%), sexually transmitted infections (10.6%) [most common in patients from Northern Africa (17.1%) (P=.004)], chronic hepatitis (10.4%) [most common in patients from Eastern Europe (26.3%) (P<.001) and sub-Saharan Africa (16.9%) (P=.004)], and active tuberculosis (8.7%) [most common in sub-Saharan Africa patients (15.7%) (P=.001)]. CONCLUSIONS The spectrum of infectious diseases in the immigrant population in our area is broad, and includes a wide variety of tropical and communicable diseases, but also of common infections. While communicable diseases are the leading cause of consultation, common infections constitute an important part of health care activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Ramos
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital General Universitario de Elche, Alicante, España.
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Marcos LA, Terashima A, Canales M, Gotuzzo E. Update on strongyloidiasis in the immunocompromised host. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2011; 13:35-46. [PMID: 21308453 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-010-0150-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Immunocompromised persons are the most vulnerable population at risk for developing life-threatening clinical syndromes associated with strongyloidiasis, such as hyperinfection syndrome (HS) or dissemination. This review focuses on describing Strongyloides infection in the immunocompromised host, including immune response against this infection, analyzing the cases with HS published during the past 4 years in the United States, and describing the most sensitive diagnostic tools and the most effective treatment for each clinical syndrome. Strongyloidiasis is becoming an important parasitic disease in the United States, especially in the immunocompromised immigrant population. Because the transplant population is particularly at risk for developing HS, both recipients and donors should be screened for Strongyloides. Clinicians should also be aware that the development of HS can follow unexpectedly a few days after appropriate anthelminthic therapy. Highly sensitive screening tests are still not available in the major tertiary medical centers. Parenteral ivermectin has been used in some severe cases. Further therapy developments and improving diagnostic tools are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Marcos
- Infectious Diseases Division, Internal Medicine Department, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA,
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Migrant, Immigrant, and Refugee Health. TROPICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES: PRINCIPLES, PATHOGENS AND PRACTICE 2011. [PMCID: PMC7150126 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-3935-5.00127-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Kakati B, Dang S, Heif M, Caradine K, McKnight W, Aduli F. Strongyloides duodenitis: case report and review of literature. J Natl Med Assoc 2011; 103:60-3. [PMID: 21329250 DOI: 10.1016/s0027-9684(15)30246-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Strongyloides stercoralis affects 30 to 100 million people worldwide and is a common cause of abdominal pain and diarrhea. Strongyloidiasis is a chronic and limited disease; however, in immunocompromised patients, hyperinfection syndrome can occur. Diagnosing strongyloidiasis early is important, as almost all deaths due to helminths in the United States are due to S stercoralis hyperinfection. Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) do not appear to be at an increased risk for S stercoralis hyperinfection. We report a case of an HIV-infected Hispanic woman presenting with dyspepsia, emesis, abdominal pain, and diarrhea diagnosed with S stercoralis on an esophagogastroduodenoscopy biopsy of the duodenum. The diagnostic workup had been inconclusive and deciding to biopsy the small bowel based on the nonerythematous boggy appearance of the duodenal folds was the key step in making the correct diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment thwarted the developing hyperinfection syndrome and likely prevented further morbidity and probably saved her life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobby Kakati
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
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Enander RT, Ramirez Amaya A, Enander RA, Gute DM. Neurocysticercosis: risk and primary prevention strategies update. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2010; 20:329-365. [PMID: 20853197 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2010.482152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis results from the infestation of the central nervous system with invading tapeworm larvae. Though uncommon in the US prior to 1965, new cases are currently being diagnosed at an unprecedented rate. Drawing on environmental health, intervention and risk data retrieved from standard/alternative databases and in-country sources, we present an update and summary of modifiable risk factors and field-tested primary prevention measures. While points of intervention, subpopulations at risk and overall magnitude of the problem are addressed, particular attention is paid to defining risk reduction measures that can be adopted by individuals and high risk groups in the near-term to interrupt or eliminate pathways of exposure leading to disease transmission. Though global eradication is not attainable in the near future, effective preventative measures exist and should be taken now by international travellers and workers, US/foreign government agencies, and individuals living in endemic regions to reduce human suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard T Enander
- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
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Sturrock HJW, Gething PW, Clements ACA, Brooker S. Optimal survey designs for targeting chemotherapy against soil-transmitted helminths: effect of spatial heterogeneity and cost-efficiency of sampling. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2010; 82:1079-87. [PMID: 20519603 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Implementation of helminth control programs requires information on the distribution and prevalence of infection to target mass treatment to areas of greatest need. In the absence of data, the question of how many schools/communities should be surveyed depends on the spatial heterogeneity of infection and the cost efficiency of surveys. We used geostatistical techniques to quantify the spatial heterogeneity of soil-transmitted helminths in multiple settings in eastern Africa, and using the example of Kenya, conducted conditional simulation to explore the implications of alternative sampling strategies in identifying districts requiring mass treatment. Cost analysis is included in the simulations using data from actual field surveys and control programs. The analysis suggests that sampling four or five schools in each district provides a cost-efficient strategy in identifying districts requiring mass treatment, and that efficiency of sampling was relatively insensitive to the number of children sampled per school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh J W Sturrock
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
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Monge-Maillo B, Jiménez BC, Pérez-Molina JA, Norman F, Navarro M, Pérez-Ayala A, Herrero JM, Zamarrón P, López-Vélez R. Imported infectious diseases in mobile populations, Spain. Emerg Infect Dis 2010; 15:1745-52. [PMID: 19891861 PMCID: PMC2857245 DOI: 10.3201/eid1511.090718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Health screening of immigrant populations is needed to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. Migration has contributed to the emergence of certain infectious diseases. To determine which infectious diseases were most common among 2 mobile immigrant groups (sub-Saharan Africans and Latin Americans) in Spain, we analyzed health and demographic characteristics of 2,198 immigrants referred to the Tropical Medicine Unit of Ramón y Cajal Hospital over a 20-year period. The most frequent diagnoses were for latent tuberculosis (716 patients [32.6%]), filariasis (421 [19.2%]), hepatropic virus chronic infection (262 [19.2%]), intestinal parasites (242 [11.0%]), and malaria (212 [9.6%]). Health screening of immigrant populations is needed to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of potentially transmissible infections.
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Grapsa D, Petrakakou E, Botsoli-Stergiou E, Mikou P, Athanassiadou P, Karkampasi A, Ioakim-Liossi A. Strongyloides stercoralisin a bronchial washing specimen processed as conventional and Thin-Prep smears: Report of a case and a review of the literature. Diagn Cytopathol 2009; 37:903-5. [DOI: 10.1002/dc.21125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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