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Salvador F, Treviño B, Sulleiro E, Bosch-Nicolau P, Aznar ML, Goterris L, Espinosa-Pereiro J, Pou D, Sánchez-Montalvá A, Oliveira I, Martínez-Campreciós J, Serre-Delcor N, Sao-Avilés A, Molina I. Epidemiological and clinical trends of imported strongyloidiasis in a referral international health unit, Barcelona, Spain: A 12-year period experience. Travel Med Infect Dis 2024; 58:102690. [PMID: 38246513 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2024.102690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imported strongyloidiasis in non-endemic countries has increasingly been diagnosed. The aim of the present study is to describe the main epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with imported strongyloidiasis attended in a referral International Health Unit and to detect trend changes over a 12-year period. METHODS This is an observational retrospective study including all imported strongyloidiasis cases seen at the International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes (Barcelona, Spain) from January 2009 to December 2020. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics from included patients were collected. RESULTS Overall, 865 cases of imported strongyloidiasis were diagnosed, of whom 472 (54.6 %) were men and mean age was 38.7 (SD 13.4) years. Most cases were diagnosed in migrants (830, 96 %). The distribution of the geographic origin was: Latin America (561, 67.6 %), Sub-Saharan Africa (148, 17.8 %), Asia (113, 13.6 %), North Africa (5, 0.6 %), Eastern Europe (2, 0.2 %), and North America (1, 0.1 %). The main reasons for consultation at the Unit were screening of health status (371, 42.9 %), laboratory test alteration (367, 42.4 %), gastrointestinal symptoms (56, 6.5 %), cutaneous symptoms (26, 3 %), and other clinical symptoms (45, 5.2 %). An increase in the number of cases was observed in the last years of the study period. CONCLUSIONS Imported strongyloidiasis has increasingly been diagnosed in our referral unit, mostly due to screening strategies implementation. Most of the patients were young migrants coming from Latin America, with no symptoms at the time of diagnosis. The optimization of screening strategies will increase the detection and treatment of cases, reducing potential complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Salvador
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Begoña Treviño
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Sulleiro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Microbiology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pau Bosch-Nicolau
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ma Luisa Aznar
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Goterris
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Microbiology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Espinosa-Pereiro
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Pou
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián Sánchez-Montalvá
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Oliveira
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Martínez-Campreciós
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Núria Serre-Delcor
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Augusto Sao-Avilés
- Information Systems Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Israel Molina
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Tamarozzi F, Rodari P, Salas-Coronas J, Bottieau E, Salvador F, Soriano-Pérez MJ, Cabeza-Barrera MI, Van Esbroeck M, Treviño B, Buonfrate D, Gobbi FG. A large case series of travel-related Mansonella perstans (vector-borne filarial nematode): a TropNet study in Europe. J Travel Med 2022; 29:6567953. [PMID: 35417002 PMCID: PMC9635058 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taac048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection with Mansonella perstans is a neglected filariasis, widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by an elusive clinical picture; treatment for mansonellosis is not standardized. This retrospective study aimed to describe the clinical features, treatment schemes and evolution, of a large cohort of imported cases of M. perstans infection seen in four European centres for tropical diseases. METHODS Mansonella perstans infections, diagnosed by identification of blood microfilariae in migrants, expatriates and travellers, collected between 1994 and 2018, were retrospectively analysed. Data concerning demographics, clinical history and laboratory examinations at diagnosis and at follow-up time points were retrieved. RESULTS A total of 392 patients were included in the study. Of the 281 patients for whom information on symptoms could be retrieved, 150 (53.4%) reported symptoms, abdominal pain and itching being the most frequent. Positive serology and eosinophilia were present in 84.4% and 66.1%, respectively, of those patients for whom these data were available. Concomitant parasitic infections were reported in 23.5% of patients. Treatment, administered to 325 patients (82.9%), was extremely heterogeneous between and within centres; the most commonly used regimen was mebendazole 100 mg twice a day for 1 month. A total of 256 (65.3%) patients attended a first follow-up, median 3 months (interquartile range 2-12) after the first visit; 83.1% of patients having received treatment based on mebendazole and/or doxycycline, targeting Wolbachia, became amicrofilaremic, 41.1-78.4% of whom within 12 months from single treatment. CONCLUSIONS Lack of specific symptoms, together with the inconstant positivity of parasitological and antibody-based assays in the infected population, makes the clinical suspicion and screening for mansonellosis particularly difficult. Prospective studies evaluating prevalence of infection in migrants from endemic areas, infection-specific morbidity, presence of Wolbachia endosymbionts in M. perstans populations from different geographical areas and efficacy of treatment regimens are absolutely needed to optimize the clinical management of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Tamarozzi
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Rodari
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Emmanuel Bottieau
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Fernando Salvador
- Tropical Medicine Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Marjan Van Esbroeck
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Begoña Treviño
- Tropical Medicine Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dora Buonfrate
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Federico G Gobbi
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
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Arifin MA, Su Peng C, Baharudin UM, Baharudin MH, Rahim MAA, Rahim SSSA, Atil A, Madrim MF, Ahmad ZNBS, Mokti K, Ramdzan AR, Jeffree MS, Hassan MR. A Systematic Review of Tropical Disease Prevalence among Migrants. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.10211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Few studies have assessed the burden of tropical diseases among migrants into non-endemic countries.
AIM: This study aimed to systematically review the existing data of the prevalence of tropical diseases globally, including neglected tropical diseases globally.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors conducted a systematic review reporting prevalence (including seroprevalence) of tropical diseases following the PRISMA guidelines and based on the database from PUBMED, WoS, and PROQUEST. All the identified records were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The selected articles’ quality was appraised using the mixed methods appraisal tool to ensure its quality.
RESULTS: Overall, 19 studies conducted in 13 countries published between the year 2017–2020 were included in the study. Based on the thematic analysis, two themes (type of organism) and 11 sub-themes (disease) were used. The prevalence of tropical diseases among migrants ranged from 0.2 to 31% for malaria; 3–20% for Chagas Disease; 3.2–3.5% for Giardiasis; 31.7–57.4% for Toxoplasmosis; 0.1–51%, for Schistosomiasis; 0.1–15.8%, for Strongyloidiasis; 0.3–3.8% for Trichuriasis; 0.2–0.9% for Ascariasis; 6.4–9.7% for Toxocariasis; 0.3% for Loiasis; and 0.5% for Filariasis. All migrants warrant thorough screening and testing, based on the country of origin of their last visit. Routine screening and follow-up may reduce the re-emergence of tropical disease in non-endemic countries.
CONCLUSION: Multiple approaches in managing social and health issues among migrants are vital to secure healthy labor forces for the country’s economy and development. Public health sectors should implement strategic promotive, preventive, and curative programs targeted to this group.
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Silva JT, Fernández-Ruiz M, Grossi PA, Hernández-Jimenez P, López-Medrano F, Mularoni A, Prista-Leão B, Santos L, Aguado JM. Reactivation of latent infections in solid organ transplant recipients from sub-Saharan Africa: What should be remembered? Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2021; 35:100632. [PMID: 34130253 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2021.100632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
International migration from Sub-Saharan African countries to the European Union and the United States has significantly increased over the past decades. Although the vast majority of these immigrants are young and healthy people, a minority can be affected by chronic conditions eventually leading to solid organ transplantation (SOT). Importantly, these candidates can bear geographically restricted fungal and parasitic latent infections that can reactivate after the procedure. An appropriate evaluation before transplantation followed by treatment, whenever necessary, is essential to minimize such risk, as covered in the present review. In short, infection due to helminths (Schistosoma spp. and Strongyloides stercoralis) and intestinal protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia or Cyclospora cayetanensis) can be diagnosed by multiple direct stool examination, serological assays and stool antigen testing. Leishmaniasis can be assessed by means of serology, followed by nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) if the former test is positive. Submicroscopic malaria should be ruled out by NAAT. Screening for Histoplasma spp. or Cryptococcus spp. is not routinely indicated. Consultation with an Infectious Diseases specialist is recommended in order to adjust preemptive treatment among Sub-Saharan African SOT candidates and recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Tiago Silva
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Research Institute Hospital "12 de Octubre" (imas12), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mario Fernández-Ruiz
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Research Institute Hospital "12 de Octubre" (imas12), Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paolo Antonio Grossi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria and ASST Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo of Varese, Varese, Italy
| | - Pilar Hernández-Jimenez
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Research Institute Hospital "12 de Octubre" (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco López-Medrano
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Research Institute Hospital "12 de Octubre" (imas12), Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alessandra Mularoni
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta specializzazione (IRCCS-ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
| | - Beatriz Prista-Leão
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Center "São João", School of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lurdes Santos
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Center "São João", School of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José María Aguado
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Research Institute Hospital "12 de Octubre" (imas12), Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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Puente S, Lago M, Subirats M, Sanz-Esteban I, Arsuaga M, Vicente B, Alonso-Sardon M, Belhassen-Garcia M, Muro A. Imported Mansonella perstans infection in Spain. Infect Dis Poverty 2020; 9:105. [PMID: 32703283 PMCID: PMC7376953 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-020-00729-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mansonella perstans infection can be considered one of the most neglected tropical infectious diseases. Very few studies have reported on the clinical picture caused by infection with this nematode. Therefore, our study was aimed to describe the clinical patterns and treatment of imported M. perstans infection by migrants from Africa. Methods The present study evaluated a large cohort of migrants who have been diagnosed, examined and treated for imported M. perstans infection at a Spanish reference center (Hospital Carlos III Tropical Medicine Unit, Madrid, Spain) over a 19-year period. Most patients voluntarily attend the emergency unit or are referred from primary care or general hospitals in Madrid. Chi-square test was used to compare the association between categorical variables. The continuous variables were compared by Student’s t-test or the Mann–Whitney test. The corresponding regression models were used for multivariate analysis. Results Five hundred three cases of migrants from tropical and subtropical areas with M. perstans infection were identified. Two hundred sixty-four patients were female (52.5%). The mean age (± SD) was 44.6 ± 18.2 years (range: 16–93 years). The mean time (± SD) between the arrival in Spain and the first consultation was 8.6 ± 18.0 months. The major origin of the patients was Equatorial Guinea (97.6%). Regarding the clinical picture, 257 patients were asymptomatic (54.7%) and 228 were symptomatic (45.3%); 190 patients had pruritus (37.8%), 50 (9.9%) had arthralgia, 18 patients had Calabar-like swelling (3.6%), and 15 (3%) had abdominal pain. Four hundred forty-two (87.9%) migrants had hyper-IgE, and 340 (67.6%) had eosinophilia. One hundred ninety-five patients had coinfections with other filarial nematodes (38.8%), and 308 migrants had only M. perstans infection (61.2%). Four hundred thirty-seven cases (86.9%) had been treated with anti-filarial drugs; 292 cases were treated with one anti-filarial drug, and 145 cases were treated with combined anti-filarial therapy. Additionally, 20 (4%) cases received steroids and 38 (7.6%) cases received antihistamines. Conclusions A long series of M. perstans infections is presented in sub-Saharan immigrants whose data indicate that it should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients with pruritus or analytical alterations such as eosinophilia or hyper-IgE presentation, and they also have a high number of coinfections with other microorganisms whose treatment needs to be protocolized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabino Puente
- Unidad de Medicina Tropical, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital La Paz-Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Lago
- Unidad de Medicina Tropical, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital La Paz-Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Marta Arsuaga
- Unidad de Medicina Tropical, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital La Paz-Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Vicente
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Parasitaria y Molecular, CIETUS, IBSAL, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Montserrat Alonso-Sardon
- Área de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, IBSAL, CIETUS, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Moncef Belhassen-Garcia
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Sección de Enfermedades Infecciosas, CAUSA, IBSAL, CIETUS, Universidad de Salamanca, Paseo San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Antonio Muro
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Parasitaria y Molecular, CIETUS, IBSAL, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
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Salvador F, Treviño B, Bosch-Nicolau P, Serre-Delcor N, Sánchez-Montalvá A, Oliveira I, Sulleiro E, Aznar ML, Pou D, Sao-Avilés A, Molina I. Strongyloidiasis screening in migrants living in Spain: systematic review and meta-analysis. Trop Med Int Health 2020; 25:281-290. [PMID: 31758828 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide information regarding the prevalence of strongyloidiasis among migrants coming from Strongyloides stercoralis-endemic areas who reside in Spain. METHODS Systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of studies showing prevalence of S. stercoralis infection among migrants from Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia and Oceania who reside in Spain. We included articles published until 30 April 2019 without language restriction. The keywords used for the search included 'Strongyloides stercoralis', 'strongyloidiasis', 'Spain', 'screening' and 'migrants'. RESULTS Twenty-four studies were included in the review and meta-analysis, comprising 12 386 screened people. Eleven studies (7020 patients) evaluated the presence of S. stercoralis infection only through investigation of larvae in faeces, showing an overall prevalence of 1% (95%CI 1-1%). Thirteen studies (5366 patients) used a serological test, showing an overall prevalence of 14% (95%CI 11-17%). Strongyloidiasis seroprevalence was 20% (95%CI 15-24%) among migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, 14% (95%CI 10-18%) among those from Latin America and 8% (95%CI 5-11%) among migrants from North Africa. CONCLUSIONS Migrants coming from strongyloidiasis-endemic areas living in Spain had a high S. stercoralis infection prevalence, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. This population should be screened using serology as the most sensitive test for S. stercoralis infection. This could be easily implemented at primary care level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Salvador
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Begoña Treviño
- Tropical Medicine Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pau Bosch-Nicolau
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Serre-Delcor
- Tropical Medicine Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrián Sánchez-Montalvá
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inés Oliveira
- Tropical Medicine Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Sulleiro
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mª Luisa Aznar
- Tropical Medicine Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Pou
- Tropical Medicine Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Augusto Sao-Avilés
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Israel Molina
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Puca E, Qato M, Pipero P, Akshija I, Kote M, Kraja D. Two cases of imported hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and systematic review of literature. Travel Med Infect Dis 2018; 28:86-90. [PMID: 30114480 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Many factors are involved in the epidemiology of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Imported cases, as well as those by emigrants, have been reported in literature worldwide. Our goal is to document two cases of HFRS, imported by two immigrants from two countries, and to make a review of the imported HFRS literature data. We performed a systematic literature review (PRISMA guidelines) of imported cases of HFRS and herein describe our two clinical cases. We found 20 published papers, with 16 of them in English and 4 in other languages. Twenty-three patients with travel- or immigration-associated HFRS, including our two cases, were identified. We included only papers that were in English. The average age of the patients was 35.9 ± 15.13 years, and the ratio of male to female was 8:1. Imported disease from Europe to Europe occurred in seven cases, America to Europe occurred in four cases, Europe to America occurred in two cases, America to America occurred in two cases, Asia to Asia in one case, Asia to Europe in one case, and Europe to Asia in one case. The results of the two cited cases are based on the clinical-laboratory, anamnestic, and serologic data for both the patients who tested positive for HFRS. Our systematic analysis shows that international travelers are important sources of infectious diseases. HFRS related to travel and immigration is a rare event. Principal risk factors for travelers and immigrants are camping outside recommended areas or under unsuitable conditions. In recent years, various publications have shown that international travelers and immigrants have expanded the spectrum of imported infectious diseases. The literature data show that the actual reported numbers of imported case of HFRS are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmond Puca
- Service of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Center, Tirana, Albania; ESCMID Study Group for Infections in Travellers and Migrants (ESGITM), Albania.
| | - Migena Qato
- Service of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Center, Tirana, Albania
| | - Pellumb Pipero
- Service of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Center, Tirana, Albania
| | - Ilir Akshija
- Statistic Service, University Hospital Center, Tirana, Albania
| | | | - Dhimiter Kraja
- Service of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Center, Tirana, Albania
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8
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Chernet A, Neumayr A, Hatz C, Kling K, Sydow V, Rentsch K, Utzinger J, Probst-Hensch N, Marti H, Nickel B, Labhardt ND. Spectrum of infectious diseases among newly arrived Eritrean refugees in Switzerland: a cross-sectional study. Int J Public Health 2017; 63:233-239. [PMID: 28924741 DOI: 10.1007/s00038-017-1034-x] [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: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our study aimed at determining the prevalence of selected infectious diseases among recently arrived Eritrean refugees in Switzerland. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, asymptomatic Eritrean migrants aged ≥16 years who arrived <24 months ago were recruited at refugee centres in Switzerland. Infectious disease screening included serology for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and schistosomiasis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for malaria, stool microscopy for helminths and intestinal protozoa and circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) testing in urine for schistosomiasis. RESULTS Among 107 participating Eritrean refugees, point-of-care CCA urine test for Schistosoma mansoni was positive in 43 patients (40.2%; 95% CI 31.9-49.5). Stool microscopy detected eggs of S. mansoni in 23 (21.5%; 95% CI 13.7-29.3), Hymenolepis nana in 11 (10.3%; 95% CI 4.5-16.0), and cysts of Giardia intestinalis in 7 participants (6.5%: 95% CI 1.9-11.2). Two tested positive for hepatitis B (1.9%; 95% CI 0.0-4.4) and one for syphilis (0.9%; 95% CI 0.0-2.8), none tested positive for HIV or hepatitis C. Malaria PCR was positive in six participants (5.6%; 95% CI: 1.2-9.9). CONCLUSIONS Given the high prevalence of S. mansoni infection and potentially severe long-term sequelae of untreated schistosomiasis, routine screening for schistosomiasis in refugees from Schistosoma-endemic regions should be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afona Chernet
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Neumayr
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Hatz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kerstin Kling
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Véronique Sydow
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Rentsch
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hanspeter Marti
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Nickel
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus D Labhardt
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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9
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Azcona-Gutiérrez JM, de Lucio A, Hernández-de-Mingo M, García-García C, Soria-Blanco LM, Morales L, Aguilera M, Fuentes I, Carmena D. Molecular diversity and frequency of the diarrheagenic enteric protozoan Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in a hospital setting in Northern Spain. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178575. [PMID: 28617836 PMCID: PMC5472271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human giardiosis and cryptosporidiosis are caused by the enteric protozoan parasites Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. Both pathogens are major contributors to the global burden of diarrhoeal disease, affecting primarily children and immunodebilitated individuals in resource-poor settings. Giardiosis and cryptosporidiosis also represent an important, often underestimate, public health threat in developed countries. In Spain only limited information is currently available on the epidemiology of these infections. Molecular data on the diversity, frequency, geographical distribution, and seasonality of G. duodenalis assemblages/sub-assemblages and Cryptosporidium species/sub-genotypes are particularly scarce. Methods A longitudinal molecular epidemiological survey was conducted between July 2015 to September 2016 in patients referred to or attended at the Hospital San Pedro (La Rioja, Northern Spain) that tested positive for G. duodenalis (N = 106) or Cryptosporidium spp. (N = 103) by direct microscopy and/or a rapid lateral flow immunochromatographic assay. G. duodenalis infections were subsequently confirmed by real-time PCR and positive isolates assessed by multi-locus sequence genotyping of the glutamate dehydrogenase and β-giardin genes of the parasite. Cryptosporidium species and sub-genotypes were investigated at the 60 kDa glycoprotein or the small subunit ribosomal RNA genes of the parasite. Sociodemographic and clinical parameters of infected patients were also gathered and analysed. Principal findings Out of 90 G. duodenalis-positive isolates by real-time PCR a total of 16 isolates were successfully typed. AII (44%, 7/16) was the most prevalent sub-assemblage found, followed by BIV (31%, 5/16) and BIII (19%, 3/16). A discordant genotype result AII/AIII was identified in an additional (6%, 1/16) isolate. No mixed infections A+B were detected. Similarly, a total of 81 Cryptosporidium spp. isolates were successfully typed, revealing the presence of C. hominis (81%, 66/81) and C. parvum (19%, 15/81). Obtained GP60 sequences were assigned to sub-type families Ib (73%, 59/81) within C. hominis, and IIa (7%, 6/81) and IId (2%, 2/81) within C. parvum. A marked inter-annual variation in Cryptosporidium cases was observed. Conclusions Human giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis are commonly identified in patients seeking medical care in Northern Spain and represent a more important health concern than initially thought. Assemblage A within G. duodenalis and sub-genotype IbA10G2 within C. hominis were the genetic variants of these parasite species more frequently found circulating in the population under study. Molecular data presented here seem to suggest that G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium infections arise through anthroponotic rather than zoonotic transmission in this Spanish region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aida de Lucio
- Parasitology Service, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Lucía Morales
- Parasitology Service, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Aguilera
- Parasitology Service, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Fuentes
- Parasitology Service, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Service, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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10
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Ziaee M, Ebrahimzadeh A, Azarkar Z, Namaei MH, Saburi A, Fereidouni M, Bijari B, Karamian M, Sharifzadeh G. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis B in an Adult Population: The First Report from Birjand, South Khorasan, Iran. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2016; 16:e36452. [PMID: 27822260 PMCID: PMC5090805 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.36452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important global health problem. Knowledge of the geographic distribution pattern of HBV infection can help to control the spread of the disease. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of HBV infections and risk factors for the disease for the first time in Birjand, Southeastern Iran. METHODS This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in 2013 - 2014 of 5235 HBV cases in Birjand, South Khorasan Iran. Subjects aged 15 - 70 y were selected using the cluster sampling method. Blood samples were taken and tested at a reference laboratory for the hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). Seropositive specimens were tested for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). RESULTS The mean age (± SD) was 39.07 (± 14.04) y, and 786 (15%) subjects were anti-HBc positive. The prevalence of HBsAg was 1.6% (n = 85). The prevalence of anti-HBc seropositivity was significantly higher in subjects with a lower level of education (P = 0.09), older subjects (P = 0.001), intravenous (IV) drug users (P<0.05), subjects with piercings (P < 0.001), and subjects with a positive history of familial HBV or HCV infection (P < 0.05). It was also significantly higher in those who drank alcohol (P = 0.09) or had a history of blood transfusions (P = 0.001), cupping (P = 0.004), hospital admission (P = 0.03), or endoscopy (P = 0.002). The rate of HBsAg positivity was significantly higher in subjects with a history of cupping (P=0.03), a positive history of familial HBV or HCV infection (P < 0.05), and older subjects (P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS Although the frequency of HBsAg seropositivity in the present study was close to that observed in the overall Iranian population, the seroprevalence of anti-HBc was higher, possibly due to the exposure of the elderly to more risk factors. The risk factors were similar. These included a history of blood transfusions, cupping, hospital admission, endoscopy, or familial HBV/HCV infection, in addition to piercings and drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masood Ziaee
- Hepatitis Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, IR Iran
| | - Azadeh Ebrahimzadeh
- Hepatitis Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, IR Iran
| | - Zohreh Azarkar
- Hepatitis Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, IR Iran
| | | | - Amin Saburi
- Birjand Atherosclerosis and Coronary Artery Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, IR Iran
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Mohammad Fereidouni
- Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, IR Iran
| | - Bita Bijari
- Hepatitis Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, IR Iran
| | - Mehdi Karamian
- Hepatitis Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, IR Iran
| | - Gholamreza Sharifzadeh
- Hepatitis Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, IR Iran
- Corresponding Author: Gholamreza Sharifzadeh, Department of Public Health, Hepatitis Research Cente, Faculty of Public Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, IR Iran. Tel: +98-5632433004, E-mail:
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11
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Rojo-Marcos G, Cuadros-González J. [Malaria and intestinal protozoa]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2016; 34:191-204. [PMID: 26832999 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2015.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is life threatening and requires urgent diagnosis and treatment. Incidence and mortality are being reduced in endemic areas. Clinical features are unspecific so in imported cases it is vital the history of staying in a malarious area. The first line treatments for Plasmodium falciparum are artemisinin combination therapies, chloroquine in most non-falciparum and intravenous artesunate if any severity criteria. Human infections with intestinal protozoa are distributed worldwide with a high global morbid-mortality. They cause diarrhea and sometimes invasive disease, although most are asymptomatic. In our environment populations at higher risk are children, including adopted abroad, immune-suppressed, travelers, immigrants, people in contact with animals or who engage in oral-anal sex. Diagnostic microscopic examination has low sensitivity improving with antigen detection or molecular methods. Antiparasitic resistances are emerging lately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Rojo-Marcos
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España.
| | - Juan Cuadros-González
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España
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12
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de Lucio A, Martínez-Ruiz R, Merino FJ, Bailo B, Aguilera M, Fuentes I, Carmena D. Molecular Genotyping of Giardia duodenalis Isolates from Symptomatic Individuals Attending Two Major Public Hospitals in Madrid, Spain. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143981. [PMID: 26641082 PMCID: PMC4671680 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The flagellate protozoan Giardia duodenalis is an enteric parasite causing human giardiasis, a major gastrointestinal disease of global distribution affecting both developing and industrialised countries. In Spain, sporadic cases of giardiasis have been regularly identified, particularly in pediatric and immigrant populations. However, there is limited information on the genetic variability of circulating G. duodenalis isolates in the country. METHODS In this longitudinal molecular epidemiological study we report the diversity and frequency of the G. duodenalis assemblages and sub-assemblages identified in 199 stool samples collected from 184 individual with symptoms compatible with giardiasis presenting to two major public hospitals in Madrid for the period December 2013-January 2015. G. duodenalis cysts were initially detected by conventional microscopy and/or immunochomatography on stool samples. Confirmation of the infection was performed by direct immunofluorescence and real-time PCR methods. G. duodenalis assemblages and sub-assemblages were determined by multi-locus genotyping of the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and β-giardin (BG) genes of the parasite. Sociodemographic and clinical features of patients infected with G. duodenalis were also analysed. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Of 188 confirmed positive samples from 178 giardiasis cases a total of 124 G. duodenalis isolates were successfully typed at the GDH and/or the BG loci, revealing the presence of sub-assemblages BIV (62.1%), AII (15.3%), BIII (4.0%), AI (0.8%), and AIII (0.8%). Additionally, 6.5% of the isolates were only characterised at the assemblage level, being all of them assigned to assemblage B. Discordant genotype results AII/AIII or BIII/BIV were also observed in 10.5% of DNA isolates. A large number of multi-locus genotypes were identified in G. duodenalis assemblage B, but not assemblage A, isolates at both the GDH and BG loci, confirming the high degree of genetic variability observed in other molecular surveys. BIV was the most prevalent genetic variant of G. duodenalis found in individuals with symptomatic giardiasis in the population under study. CONCLUSIONS Human giardiasis is an ongoing public health problem in Spain affecting primarily young children under four years of age but also individuals of all age groups. Our typing and sub-typing results demonstrate that assemblage B is the most prevalent G. duodenalis assemblage circulating in patients with clinical giardiasis in Central Spain. Our analyses also revealed a large genetic variability in assemblage B (but not assemblage A) isolates of the parasite, corroborating the information obtained in similar studies in other geographical regions. We believe that molecular data presented here provide epidemiological evidence at the population level in support of the existence of genetic exchange within assemblages of G. duodenalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida de Lucio
- Parasitology Service, National Centre for Microbiology, Carlos III Health Institute, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Martínez-Ruiz
- Microbiology and Clinical Parasitology Service, University Hospital Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Merino
- Microbiology Service, University Hospital Severo Ochoa, Leganés, Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Service, National Centre for Microbiology, Carlos III Health Institute, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Aguilera
- Parasitology Service, National Centre for Microbiology, Carlos III Health Institute, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Fuentes
- Parasitology Service, National Centre for Microbiology, Carlos III Health Institute, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Service, National Centre for Microbiology, Carlos III Health Institute, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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13
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Pérez-Arellano JL, Carranza-Rodriguez C. [Population screening strategies in recent immigrant to Spain]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2015; 34:45-52. [PMID: 26655674 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2015.11.001] [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: 11/01/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The definition of terms that delimites the content of this paper are initially displayed. Subsequently, the main sources of information about the disease screening in immigrants and the entities considered susceptible of screening are showed. In a later section we review the diagnostic methodology used, separately considering the history, physical examination, the usual complementary tests and specific studies of both infectious and noninfectious diseases. Finally, with the limitations of the data available a proposal of a protocol for screening of diseases in recent immigrant is performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- José-Luis Pérez-Arellano
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas y Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, España; Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Medicina Tropical, Hospital Universitario Insular de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, España.
| | - Cristina Carranza-Rodriguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas y Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, España; Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Medicina Tropical, Hospital Universitario Insular de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, España
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