Vanbrabant P, Damanet B, Maussen C, Van Esbroeck M, Soentjens P. Screening the asymptomatic soldiers after a stay in sub-Saharan Africa. A retrospective observational study.
Travel Med Infect Dis 2020;
39:101941. [PMID:
33278608 DOI:
10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101941]
[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: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Many tropical clinics offer post-travel screening for parasitic infections in asymptomatic travellers. However, literature on attack rates and incidence rates of parasitic infections is scarce.
METHOD
All military personnel returning from a tropical region during the year 2018 were tested for the presence of antibodies against Strongyloides stercoralis, Schistosoma and Entamoeba histolytica. Test results were compared with previous results if available to distinguish recent and old infection.
RESULTS
In total, 949 soldiers were included in the study. The median age was years 31 (IQR: 26-41), 96.3% were male. The median duration of stay in the tropics was 35 days (IQR: 14-90). The destination was predominantly central Africa. Serological tests were positive for S. stercoralis in 10 patients (1.1%), Schistosoma in 3 (0.3%), and E. histolytica in 16 (1.7%). The attack rates were 0.84, 0.32 and 1.69 respectively. The incidence rates were 3.99, 1.49 and 7.97 respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The risk for parasitic infection in the asymptomatic returning soldiers is low. However, the potentially serious complications of unrecognised parasitic infection can legitimise systematic screening.
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