Journal of Travel Medicine
Volume 13, Issue 4, 2006, Pages 233-239

Undiagnosed and potentially lethal parasite infections among immigrants and refugees in Australia (Review) (Open Access)

Caruana S.R. , Kelly H.A. , Ngeow J.Y.Y. , Ryan N.J. , Bennett C.M. , Chea L. , Nuon S. , Bak N. , Skull S.A. , Biggs B.-A.*
  • a Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
  • b Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, North Melbourne, Vic., Australia
  • c Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
  • d Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, North Melbourne, Vic., Australia
  • e Department of Public Health, School of Population Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
  • f Windsor Medical Centre, Springvale, Vic., Australia
  • g Medical Clinic, Springvale, Vic., Australia
  • h Department of Postgraduate Education, Western Health Footscray, Vic., Australia
  • i Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia
  • j Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia, Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia, Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3050, Australia

Abstract

Background. Intestinal parasite infections are a major cause of ill health in many resource-poor countries. This study compares the types and rates of these infections and their risk factors in recently arrived and long-term immigrants in Australia. Method. Cross-sectional surveys of 127 East African and 234 Cambodian immigrants and refugees were undertaken in 2000 and 2002, respectively, to assess the burden of intestinal parasites and collect demographic information. Serum samples were assessed for eosinophilia and Strongyloides stercoralis and Schistosoma antibodies, and feces examined for ova, cysts, and parasites. Results. Intestinal parasites were identified in 77/117 fecal samples from East African and in 25/204 samples collected from Cambodian participants. Eleven percent (14/124) of East Africans and 42% (97/230) of Cambodians had positive or equivocal serology for S stercoralis. Schistosoma serology was positive or equivocal in 15% (19/124) of East African participants. Conclusion. Potentially serious intestinal parasite infections are common among recent and longer term immigrants despite multiple visits to health care providers. Immigrants and refugees from high-risk countries would benefit from comprehensive health checks soon after resettlement. © 2006 International Society of Travel Medicine.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Strongyloidiasis Strongyloides stercoralis immigrant Eosinophilia Negro parasitosis lethality refugee Australia Antibodies, Protozoan Cambodia Cambodian parasite identification human middle aged feces analysis Aged Victoria Animals Cross-Sectional Studies cyst Humans Adolescent male female Aged, 80 and over Review prevalence major clinical study Schistosoma adult Feces serology schistosomiasis Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic Emigration and Immigration intestine parasite Africa, Eastern
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-33745951868&doi=10.1111%2fj.1708-8305.2006.00045.x&partnerID=40&md5=41cbfc9b1a9bc38cbab35ed8a49389f5
DOI: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2006.00045.x
ISSN: 11951982
Cited by: 55
Original Language: English