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.
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a
Pacific Family Practice Medical Clinic, Long Beach, CA 90813, United States
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b
Pacific Family Practice Medical Clinic, Long Beach, CA 90813, United States
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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.
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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