Western Journal of Medicine
Volume 149, Issue 4, 1988, Pages 422-425

Intestinal parasites in Southeast Asian refugees two years after immigration (Article)

Molina C.D. , Molina M.M. , Molina J.M.
  • a Pacific Family Practice Medical Clinic, Long Beach, CA 90813, United States
  • b Pacific Family Practice Medical Clinic, Long Beach, CA 90813, United States
  • c Pacific Family Practice Medical Clinic, Long Beach, CA 90813, United States

Abstract

We collected stool specimens from 2,520 Southeast Asian refugees who had resided in the United States for an average of 2.1 years. More than half reported receiving prior treatment of parasites. At least one parasite was discovered in 32%, and multiple parasites were found in 8% of patients. Hookworm, Giardia, Strongyloides, and Hymenolepis nana were most commonly found. In comparison to studies done at the time of immigration, all parasites had decreased in frequency, but Giardia, hookworm, and H nana remain common. Although initial screening efforts may have failed to identify substantial numbers of infected refugees, poor compliance with treatment may also explain the persistence of intestinal parasites in our patients. The continued presence of Giardia and H nana, especially among children, may be explained by person-to-person transmission or autoinfection.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

cestode protozoon Giardia Cambodia Laos immigration human Refugees priority journal Cross-Sectional Studies intestine California Asian Americans nematode Hymenolepis nana major clinical study adult Feces Strongyloides Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic Emigration and Immigration hookworm

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0023720464&partnerID=40&md5=535cc7f9712cd0c3e8cc971abcfc1a25

ISSN: 00930415
Cited by: 22
Original Language: English