Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of pathogenic intestinal parasitic infection in primary refugees to Minnesota (MN). Secondary objectives were to determine the association of intestinal parasitic infection with gender, age and continent of origin. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on the first refugee screening visits done between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2001 on data from the Minnesota Department of Health. Results: Of the 10,358 refugees with screening results, 1969 (19%) had pathogenic intestinal parasites. Parasites were more common in men (OR=1.3; p<0.0001) and were less prevalent with increasing 10 year age intervals (OR=0.79; p<0.001). Asians had the highest proportion of refugees with intestinal parasitic infection (33.6%; p<0.0001). The most common pathogenic intestinal parasites were Trichuris trichiura (7.1%), Giardia lamblia (5.7%), Ascaris lumbricoides (2.1%), and hookworm (2.0%). Conclusion: In this study almost 20% of newly arrived refugees to the state of MN had evidence of intestinal parasitic infection. With very little organized access to health care following arrival of refugees to a new country, risk of transmission of infection, and persistence of infection, the first health visit should be used as a critical opportunity for the screening and treatment of high-risk patients. Future public health work should focus on enhanced screening and surveillance strategies, follow-up for ensuring adequate treatment completion and eradication of parasitosis, as well as research on cost effectiveness of screening versus predeparture anti-helminthic treatment. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Parasitic infection Refugee Epidemiology

parasitosis refugee public health service health survey race difference Europe Entamoeba histolytica follow up human sex difference Refugees middle aged anthelmintic agent Asia travel giardiasis controlled study medical research priority journal Aged Animals screening test giardia lamblia Minnesota United States Ascaris lumbricoides Humans Ascariasis Adolescent Treatment Outcome Infant, Newborn male amebiasis female Albendazole Infant Child, Preschool paragonimiasis Clonorchis Africa hookworm infection Paragonimus Ancylostomatoidea prevalence Article disease transmission Retrospective Studies major clinical study Schistosoma adult schistosomiasis clonorchiasis health care access age Sex Factors Age Factors infection risk Trichuris trichuriasis Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic disease association high risk patient intestine parasite eradication therapy cost effectiveness analysis hookworm Child