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Kitro A, Ngamprasertchai T, Srithanaviboonchai K. Infectious diseases and predominant travel-related syndromes among long-term expatriates living in low-and middle- income countries: a scoping review. Trop Dis Travel Med Vaccines 2022; 8:11. [PMID: 35490249 PMCID: PMC9057062 DOI: 10.1186/s40794-022-00168-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Expatriates working in low-and middle-income countries have unique health problems. Migration leads not only to an increase in individual health risk but also a risk of global impact, such as pandemics. Expatriates with no prior experience living in tropical settings have expressed greatest concern about infectious diseases and appropriate peri-travel consultation is essential to expatriates. The objective of this review is to describe infections and travel-related syndromes among expatriates living in low-and middle-income countries. Methods MEDLINE database since the year 2000 was searched for relevant literature. Search terms were “long-term travel”, “expatriate”, and “health problems”. The additional references were obtained from hand-searching of selected articles. Results Up to 80% of expatriates suffered from gastrointestinal problems followed by dermatologic problems (up to 40%), and febrile systemic infection/vector-borne/parasitic infection (up to 34%) Expatriates living in Southeast Asia were at risk of vector-borne diseases including dengue and non-Plasmodium falciparum (pf) malaria while expatriates living in South Asia had a high prevalence of acute and chronic diarrhea. Staying long-term in Africa was related to an elevated risk for pf malaria and gastrointestinal infection. In Latin America, dermatologic problems were commonly reported illnesses among expatriates. Conclusion Certain health risks for expatriates who are going to depart to specific regions should be the focus of pre-travel consultation. Specific health preparations may reduce the risk of disease throughout their time abroad. Disease and symptom awareness is essential for screening, early diagnosis, and better health outcomes for ill-expatriates.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Dengue vaccine development is a high public health priority. To date, no dengue vaccine is in widespread use. Here we review the challenges in dengue development and the latest results for the second-generation dengue vaccines. RECENT FINDINGS The biggest hurdle is the immunological interaction between the four antigenically distinct dengue serotypes. The advantages of second-generation dengue vaccines are the inclusion of nonstructural proteins of the dengue backbone and a more convenient dosing with reduced numbers of doses needed. SUMMARY Although dengue-primed individuals can already benefit from vaccination with the first licensed dengue vaccine CYD-TDV, the public health need for the dengue-naive population has not yet been met. The urgent need remains to identify correlates of both protection and enhancement; until such correlates have been identified, all second-generation dengue vaccines still need to go through full phase 3 trials. The 5-year efficacy and safety data for both second-generation dengue vaccines are imminent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Wilder-Smith
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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3
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Health and security risks of humanitarian aid workers during field missions: Experience of the International Red Cross. Travel Med Infect Dis 2022; 46:102275. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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4
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Uncovering the Burden of Dengue in Africa: Considerations on Magnitude, Misdiagnosis, and Ancestry. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020233. [PMID: 35215827 PMCID: PMC8877195 DOI: 10.3390/v14020233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue is a re-emerging neglected disease of major public health importance. This review highlights important considerations for dengue disease in Africa, including epidemiology and underestimation of disease burden in African countries, issues with malaria misdiagnosis and co-infections, and potential evidence of genetic protection from severe dengue disease in populations of African descent. The findings indicate that dengue virus prevalence in African countries and populations may be more widespread than reported data suggests, and that the Aedes mosquito vectors appear to be increasing in dissemination and number. Changes in climate, population, and plastic pollution are expected to worsen the dengue situation in Africa. Dengue misdiagnosis is also a problem in Africa, especially due to the typical non-specific clinical presentation of dengue leading to misdiagnosis as malaria. Finally, research suggests that a protective genetic component against severe dengue exists in African descent populations, but further studies should be conducted to strengthen this association in various populations, taking into consideration socioeconomic factors that may contribute to these findings. The main takeaway is that Africa should not be overlooked when it comes to dengue, and more attention and resources should be devoted to this disease in Africa.
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“Your health and safety is of utmost importance to us”: A review of research on the occupational health and safety of international employees. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT REVIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrmr.2020.100790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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6
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Reasons for seeking care and adherence to pretravel preparation in expatriate or long-term travelers' children in the tropics: A French prospective study. Travel Med Infect Dis 2021; 46:102184. [PMID: 34699957 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2021.102184] [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: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on pediatric travelers' health rarely address expat or long-term travelers' children. METHOD To investigate reasons for seeking care and adherence to pretravel preparation, we prospectively enrolled French children 0-15 years old, either expatriates or staying >6 months in tropical areas, who attended a French health center in Africa, Central America or Southern Pacific regions from October 01, 2011 to October 31, 2012. A standardized questionnaire was completed by a general practitioner at each visit, then anonymized and included in our database. RESULTS 464 questionnaires were collected from 367 children (sex ratio M/F: 1:1). Median age was 6.4 years (IQR: 3.6; 10.3). Reasons for seeking care were mostly infections (n = 378), of which 12 (3.2%) were tropical. There were no deaths, but one child with tuberculosis was repatriated. Coverage was high for routine immunization, but less for travel-related vaccines. Personal antivectorial protection was significantly lower in children aged >5 y or in non-malarial areas. Where indicated, malarial chemoprophylaxis was prescribed to only one third of the children, of whom 60% were poorly compliant. Advice regarding measures against diarrhea and sunburn was followed significantly more for stays >2 yrs. CONCLUSION Mild cosmopolitan illnesses predominated but protection against tropical threats should be optimized before and during the stay.
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Sánchez-González L, Venuto M, Poe S, Major CG, Baskara L, Abdiyeva S, Murphy D, Munoz-Jordan JL, Medina FA, Paz-Bailey G, Petersen K, Becker K, Sharp TM. Dengue Virus Infections among Peace Corps Volunteers in Timor-Leste, 2018-2019. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:2202-2209. [PMID: 33901000 PMCID: PMC8176509 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue is an ongoing health risk for Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) working in the tropics. On May 2019, the Peace Corps Office of Health Services notified the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of a dengue outbreak among PCVs in Timor-Leste. The purpose of this investigation was to identify the clinical, demographic, and epidemiological characteristics of PCVs with dengue and recommend dengue preventive measures. To identify PCVs with dengue and describe disease severity, the medical records of PCVs reporting fever during September 2018–June 2019 were reviewed. To identify factors associated with dengue virus (DENV) infection, we administered a questionnaire on demographics, travel history, and mosquito avoidance behaviors and collected blood specimens to detect the anti-DENV IgM antibody to diagnose recent infection. Of 35 PCVs in-country, 11 (31%) tested positive for dengue (NS1, IgM, PCR), eight requiring hospitalization and medical evacuation. Among 27 (77%) PCVs who participated in the investigation, all reported having been recently bitten by mosquitoes and 56% reported being bitten most often at home; only 16 (59%) reported having screens on bedroom windows. Nearly all (93%) PCVs reported using a bed net every night; fewer (70%) reported using mosquito repellent at least once a day. No behaviors were significantly associated with DENV infection. Raising awareness of dengue risk among PCVs and continuing to encourage mosquito avoidance behavior to prevent dengue is critical. Access to and use of measures to avoid mosquito bites should be improved or implemented. Peace Corps medical officers should continue to receive an annual refresher training on dengue clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margaret Venuto
- 2Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, Office of Health Services, United States Peace Corps, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Scott Poe
- 2Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, Office of Health Services, United States Peace Corps, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Chelsea G Major
- 1Dengue Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Leonardus Baskara
- 3Timor-Leste Country Office, Office of Health Services, U.S. Peace Corps, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Sevinj Abdiyeva
- 3Timor-Leste Country Office, Office of Health Services, U.S. Peace Corps, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Daniel Murphy
- 2Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, Office of Health Services, United States Peace Corps, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jorge L Munoz-Jordan
- 1Dengue Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Freddy A Medina
- 1Dengue Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Gabriela Paz-Bailey
- 1Dengue Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Kyle Petersen
- 2Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, Office of Health Services, United States Peace Corps, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Karen Becker
- 2Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, Office of Health Services, United States Peace Corps, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Tyler M Sharp
- 1Dengue Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico.,4U.S. Public Health Service, Rockville, Maryland
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The first dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia) was endorsed by the European Medicine Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration. Given the excess risk of severe dengue in seronegative vaccinees, use is restricted to seropositive individuals. Dengvaxia confers high protection against severe dengue in seropositive vaccinees. RECENT FINDINGS With increasing global travel, the probability of travelers being seropositive increases. Such seropositive travelers may be at increased risk of severe dengue as a result of a second dengue infection during repeat travel. Nevertheless, the use of Dengvaxia in travelers requires a careful analysis of all the factors. Seropositive travelers only present a minority of all travelers. A validated rapid diagnostic test to screen for dengue serostatus is not yet available. Such a test should be highly specific to avoid inadvertent vaccination of seronegative individuals. The three-dose regimen precludes the use in most travelers who tend to present at travel clinics less than 6 weeks prior to departure. Furthermore, questions about potential sub-optimal immunogenicity in seropositives in nonendemic settings, and the need and timing of boosters remain unanswered. SUMMARY Although there could potentially be substantial protection against severe dengue in seropositive travelers, Dengvaxia is far from an ideal travel vaccine.
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Tozan Y, Headley TY, Sewe MO, Schwartz E, Shemesh T, Cramer JP, Eberhardt KA, Ramharter M, Harrison N, Leder K, Angheben A, Hatz C, Neumayr A, Chen LH, De Pijper CA, Grobusch MP, Wilder-Smith A. A Prospective Study on the Impact and Out-of-Pocket Costs of Dengue Illness in International Travelers. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 100:1525-1533. [PMID: 30994088 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the costs of dengue illness to patients and households have been extensively studied in endemic populations, international travelers have not been the focus of costing studies. As globalization and human travel activities intensify, travelers are increasingly at risk for emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, such as dengue. This exploratory study aims to investigate the impact and out-of-pocket costs of dengue illness among travelers. We conducted a prospective study in adult travelers with laboratory-confirmed dengue and recruited patients at travel medicine clinics in eight different countries from December 2013 to December 2015. Using a structured questionnaire, we collected information on patients and their health-care utilization and out-of-pocket expenditures, as well as income and other financial losses they incurred because of dengue illness. A total of 90 patients participated in the study, most of whom traveled for tourism (74%) and visited countries in Asia (82%). Although 22% reported hospitalization and 32% receiving ambulatory care while traveling, these percentages were higher at 39% and 71%, respectively, after returning home. The out-of-pocket direct and indirect costs of dengue illness were US$421 (SD 744) and US$571 (SD 1,913) per episode, respectively, averaging to a total out-of-pocket cost of US$992 (SD 2,052) per episode. The study findings suggest that international travelers incur important direct and indirect costs because of dengue-related illness. This study is the first to date to investigate the impact and out-of-pocket costs of travel-related dengue illness from the patient's perspective and paves the way for future economic burden studies in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesim Tozan
- New York University College of Global Public Health, New York, New York.,New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tyler Y Headley
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maquines Odhiambo Sewe
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eli Schwartz
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tamar Shemesh
- Sheba Medical Center, Institute of Tropical and Travel Medicine, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Jakob P Cramer
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and I Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kirsten A Eberhardt
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and I Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Ramharter
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and I Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Harrison
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Leder
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University and Victorian Infectious Disease Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrea Angheben
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, IRCCS Hospital Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria, Verona, Italy
| | - Christoph Hatz
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Neumayr
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lin Hwei Chen
- Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Cornelis A De Pijper
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martin P Grobusch
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Annelies Wilder-Smith
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Heidelberg Global Health Institute, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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10
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Low adherence with national travel medicine recommendations in Belgian expatriate children: A retrospective analysis. Travel Med Infect Dis 2019; 32:101424. [PMID: 31085332 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expatriates (expats) from European countries regularly migrate to low-income countries where infectious diseases are more prevalent. Little evidence exists however on pediatric expatriates' compliance with preventive measures related to infectious diseases. This study aims to evaluate compliance in Belgian expat-children. METHODS Data of 135 Belgian expat-children, visiting the Institute of Tropical Medicine (Antwerp, Belgium), were collected from clinical notes, laboratory results and from a web-based immunization-register. Information on routine vaccinations, yellow fever, hepatitis A, rabies, typhoid fever, meningococcal ACW135Y, Japanese encephalitis, BCG vaccine and anti-malaria chemoprophylaxis was collected. RESULTS Overall, 87% of expat-children were up-to-date with their routine vaccinations. Although all children were eligible for hepatitis A, typhoid and rabies vaccination, only 8-21% were fully vaccinated. Only 29 and 61% of eligible children were vaccinated against meningococcal (ACW135Y) or yellow fever respectively. Finally, only 10% of children who lived in malaria-endemic-areas, reported chemoprophylaxis-use. CONCLUSION Although routine vaccination coverage in expat-children seems adequate, additional preventive measures are often needed. Whether this is due to lack of high-quality health care-access, fear of side-effects or insufficient knowledge about the risks/available preventive measures, remains elusive. Nevertheless, expats seem to constitute a separate risk-group for infectious diseases and destination-related health issues.
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11
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Sanftenberg L, Kramer M, Esser S, Schelling J. Insights into needs of business travelers to China from calls to a medical assistance provider. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01237. [PMID: 30815606 PMCID: PMC6378333 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although 17.5% of German travelers were business travelers in the years 2011–2013, little is known about their pathologies. Recent publications indicate that infections are the primary health issue in general travelers. Our aim was to investigate whether business travelers from Germany to China also primarily suffer from infections. Methods From 2011 to 2013, 587 calls for service of German business travelers to China were collected by a medical assistance provider. 482 of these calls were evaluated regarding demographics, reported diseases and conditions and the type of service provided by the medical assistance company. Results The most common reasons for calls for service were “factors influencing health status and contact with health service” (18.8%), “injury and poisoning” (16.0%) as well as “symptoms, signs, and ill-defined conditions” (13.7%). Most patients asked for “medical advice” (37.8%), referral to “outpatient care” (25.1%) or “inpatient care” (16.6%). “Evacuation and/or repatriation” was required mainly due to “injury and poisoning” (n = 12), “diseases of the circulatory system” (n = 5) or “mental disorders” (n = 3). Conclusion German business travelers to China are seeking primarily administrative support from a medical assistance provider and are mostly affected by non-infectious diseases. Pre-travel preparation of such travelers need to place more emphasis on non-communicable health risks and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Sanftenberg
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Klinikum der Universität München, Germany
| | - Michaela Kramer
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Klinikum der Universität München, Germany
| | | | - Jörg Schelling
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Klinikum der Universität München, Germany
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12
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Park HY, Kim JY, Koo HY, Han J, Jun JH, Lee W, Na KY, Lee HY, Pak Y, Jang S, Kim S, Jeong C, Nam T. Evaluation of a Telehealth Counseling Program for Expatriates. Telemed J E Health 2018; 25:693-700. [PMID: 30192207 PMCID: PMC6684024 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2018.0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:Health problems for expatriates are common due to their vulnerability to local infectious diseases, psychosocial problems, and chronic diseases, but many problems go largely unmet in this unique population. Introduction:Telehealth counseling was developed and tested for Korean expatriates. We explored the current status of using telehealth counseling systems and showed its feasibility and acceptability in three countries. Materials and Methods:This retrospective study was based on the “Development and demonstration of telehealth counseling program for overseas Koreans” project funded by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute. In this project, we established five Digital Healthcare Centers (DHCs): 3 in Vietnam and 1 each in Uzbekistan and Cambodia. We used data from October 2016 to September 2017; descriptive analysis and one-way ANOVA were used to present detailed information. Results:A total of 442 patients made an appointment for telehealth counseling services. Overall user satisfaction rates were 96.1%. Over two thirds of patients (302/442, 68.3%) completed one-time telehealth counseling. About 13% were referred to primary care, and 17 (3.8%) were referred to specialists or tertiary hospital. The most common diagnostic category was endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (14%), followed by diseases of the circulatory system (12.3%) for one-time visit patients. Discussion:Our telehealth counseling program for expatriates was feasible and acceptable in three countries. It also has the potential to minimize language barriers and the cost of healthcare usage. Conclusion:Further research for sustainable effective telehealth systems for expatriates will be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa Yeon Park
- 1Health Promotion Center, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Ju Young Kim
- 2Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.,3Office of External Affairs, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hye Yeon Koo
- 2Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jinah Han
- 2Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Ji Hye Jun
- 4Department of Family Medicine, Chamjoeun Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Wonjae Lee
- 3Office of External Affairs, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.,5Department of Cardiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.,6International Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Ki Young Na
- 3Office of External Affairs, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.,7Research Institute of Healthcare Policy, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.,8Department of Nephrology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hyang Yuol Lee
- 7Research Institute of Healthcare Policy, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Yuliya Pak
- 3Office of External Affairs, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Seunghee Jang
- 3Office of External Affairs, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Sergey Kim
- 3Office of External Affairs, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.,6International Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
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Chen LH, Leder K, Barbre KA, Schlagenhauf P, Libman M, Keystone J, Mendelson M, Gautret P, Schwartz E, Shaw M, MacDonald S, McCarthy A, Connor BA, Esposito DH, Hamer D, Wilson ME. Business travel-associated illness: a GeoSentinel analysis. J Travel Med 2018; 25:4841826. [PMID: 29462444 PMCID: PMC5824651 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/tax097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Background Analysis of a large cohort of business travelers will help clinicians focus on frequent and serious illnesses. We aimed to describe travel-related health problems in business travelers. Methods GeoSentinel Surveillance Network consists of 64 travel and tropical medicine clinics in 29 countries; descriptive analysis was performed on ill business travelers, defined as persons traveling for work, evaluated after international travel 1 January 1997 through 31 December 2014. Results Among 12 203 business travelers seen 1997-2014 (14 045 eligible diagnoses), the majority (97%) were adults aged 20-64 years; most (74%) reported from Western Europe or North America; two-thirds were male. Most (86%) were outpatients. Fewer than half (45%) reported a pre-travel healthcare encounter. Frequent regions of exposure were sub-Saharan Africa (37%), Southeast Asia (15%) and South Central Asia (14%). The most frequent diagnoses were malaria (9%), acute unspecified diarrhea (8%), viral syndrome (6%), acute bacterial diarrhea (5%) and chronic diarrhea (4%). Species was reported for 973 (90%) of 1079 patients with malaria, predominantly Plasmodium falciparum acquired in sub-Saharan Africa. Of 584 (54%) with malaria chemoprophylaxis information, 92% took none or incomplete courses. Thirteen deaths were reported, over half of which were due to malaria; others succumbed to pneumonia, typhoid fever, rabies, melioidosis and pyogenic abscess. Conclusions Diarrheal illness was a major cause of morbidity. Malaria contributed substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly among business travelers to sub-Saharan Africa. Underuse or non-use of chemoprophylaxis contributed to malaria cases. Deaths in business travelers could be reduced by improving adherence to malaria chemoprophylaxis and targeted vaccination for vaccine-preventable diseases. Pre-travel advice is indicated for business travelers and is currently under-utilized and needs improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin H. Chen
- Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karin Leder
- Royal Melbourne Hospital and School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kira A. Barbre
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Patricia Schlagenhauf
- University of Zürich Centre for Travel Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Travellers’ Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Libman
- Montreal General Hospital and McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jay Keystone
- Toronto General Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marc Mendelson
- Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Philippe Gautret
- Aix Marseille Université, IHU—Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Eli Schwartz
- The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| | - Marc Shaw
- Worldwise Travellers Health Centres New Zealand and James Cook University, Australia
| | - Sue MacDonald
- Medicine and Quality, Interior Health, and University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anne McCarthy
- Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bradley A. Connor
- The New York Center for Travel and Tropical Medicine and Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Douglas H. Esposito
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Davidson Hamer
- Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary E. Wilson
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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14
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Fonseca AG, Dias SS, Baptista JL, Torgal J. Psychological well-being of Portuguese expatriates in Sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional study. J Travel Med 2017; 24:4191319. [PMID: 29088477 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/tax061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological health problems are highlighted among the most relevant disease patterns in expatriates. The purpose of this study was to determine the psychological well-being in Portuguese expatriates in Angola and Mozambique, considering the increasing expatriation wave. METHODS A cross-sectional self-administered web survey was conducted in a sample of 352 Portuguese civil expatriates in Angola and Mozambique. Clinically significant psychological distress was determined using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-12 and associated factors were studied using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS GHQ-12 items showed good internal consistency as reflected by the Cronbach's alpha. One-third of the screened expatriates corresponded to cases of clinically significant psychological distress. Age, country of birth, self-reported psychological symptoms and self-perception of general health in the previous 3 months were identified as independent variables associated with psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS Increasing awareness and monitoring expatriates mental health should be in the health agenda, furthermore considering them a risk group in need of evidence-based mental health expatriate preparedness. The use of user-friendly validated tools, such as GHQ-12, allowing objective assessment and surveillance of these hard to reach populations should be reinforced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Glória Fonseca
- Public Health Department, NOVA Medical School (Faculdade Ciências Médicas), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA Lisbon University), Campo Mártires da Pátria, 130. 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sara S Dias
- Public Health Department, NOVA Medical School (Faculdade Ciências Médicas), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA Lisbon University) and UIS-ESSLei-IPLeiria, Portugal
| | - Joao Luis Baptista
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde (Faculty of Health Sciences), Universidade da Beira Interior (Beira Interior University), Portugal
| | - Jorge Torgal
- Public Health Department, NOVA Medical School (Faculdade Ciências Médicas), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA Lisbon University), Campo Mártires da Pátria, 130. 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
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Riddle CAPTMS, Martin GJ, Murray COLCK, Burgess CAPTTH, Connor CP, Mancuso COLJD, Schnaubelt MER, Ballard LCTP, Fraser J, Tribble DR. Management of Acute Diarrheal Illness During Deployment: A Deployment Health Guideline and Expert Panel Report. Mil Med 2017; 182:34-52. [PMID: 28885922 PMCID: PMC5657341 DOI: 10.7205/milmed-d-17-00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute diarrheal illness during deployment causes significant morbidity and loss of duty days. Effective and timely treatment is needed to reduce individual, unit, and health system performance impacts. METHODS This critical appraisal of the literature, as part of the development of expert consensus guidelines, asked several key questions related to self-care and healthcare-seeking behavior, antibiotics for self-treatment of travelers' diarrhea, what antibiotics/regimens should be considered for treatment of acute watery diarrhea and febrile diarrhea and/or dysentery, and when and what laboratory diagnostics should be used to support management of deployment-related travelers' diarrhea. Studies of acute diarrhea management in military and other travelers were assessed for relevance and quality. On the basis of this critical appraisal, guideline recommendations were developed and graded by the Expert Panel using good standards in clinical guideline development methodology. RESULTS New definitions for defining the severity of diarrhea during deployment were established. A total of 13 graded recommendations on the topics of prophylaxis, therapy and diagnosis, and follow-up were developed. In addition, four non-graded consensus-based statements were adopted. CONCLUSIONS Successful management of acute diarrheal illness during deployment requires action at the provider, population, and commander levels. Strong evidence supports that single-dose antimicrobial therapy is effective in most cases of moderate to severe acute diarrheal illness during deployment. Further studies are needed to address gaps in available knowledge regarding optimal therapies for treatment, prevention, and laboratory testing of acute diarrheal illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- CAPT Mark S. Riddle
- Enteric Disease Department, Naval Medical Research Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Gregory J. Martin
- Chief, Tropical Medicine-Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Medical Services, US Department of State, 2401 E St NW L209, Washington DC 20037, USA
| | - COL Clinton K. Murray
- Deputy Medical Corps Chief, Medical Corps Specific Branch Proponent Officer, Infectious Disease Consultant to the Army Surgeon General, Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Dr, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA
| | - CAPT Timothy H. Burgess
- Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program, Preventive Medicine & Biostatistics Department, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Col Patrick Connor
- Military Enteric Disease Group, Academic Department of Military Medicine, Birmingham Research Park, Vincent Drive, Birmingham B15 2SQ, United Kingdom
| | - COL James D. Mancuso
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Biostatistics, The F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Maj Elizabeth R. Schnaubelt
- Infectious Disease Service, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, CMR 402, APO, AE, 19180, USA [Current Affiliation: Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA]
| | - Lt Col Timothy P. Ballard
- Operational Medicine, Defense Institute for Medical Operations, 1320 Truemper St, Bldg 9122, JBSA-Lackland, TX 78236, USA
| | - Jamie Fraser
- Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program, Preventive Medicine & Biostatistics Department, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., 6720A Rockledge Dr #100, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - David R. Tribble
- Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program, Preventive Medicine & Biostatistics Department, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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16
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Fonseca AG, Dias SS, Baptista JL, Torgal J. Portuguese expatriates' health in Angola and Mozambique-a cross-sectional study: increasing awareness and need for more surveillance. J Travel Med 2017; 24:3095988. [PMID: 28426116 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/tax020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing numbers of expatriates are working in sub-Saharan Africa. There is little published data on the complex population and this survey aimed at understanding expatriate morbidity by accessing self-reported health problems and malaria preventive practices. METHODS A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted targeting Portuguese expatriates in Angola and Mozambique. Logistic regression analysis explored factors associated with self-reported health problems and psychological symptoms in the previous 3 months. RESULTS A total sample of 352 adult Portuguese urban civil occupational expatriates was obtained. Median length of expatriation was 3 years. Considering a 3-month timeframe, one in five expatriates reported new health problems and need of medical assistance, 5% were hospitalized and 64% reported general psychological symptoms. Less than 2% of subjects were on malaria chemoprophylaxis. Having chronic health conditions doubled the reporting of new health problems. Increasing length of expatriation was associated with decreasing reporting of general psychological symptoms. Directors and executive managers and expatriates living alone tended to report more general psychological symptoms. CONCLUSION Expatriate communities deserve enhanced surveillance for the health issues that affect them. This will improve evidence-based preparation and intervention by public and travel health practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Glória Fonseca
- Public Health Department, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA Lisbon University), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara S Dias
- Public Health Department, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA Lisbon University), Lisbon, Portugal.,UIS-ESSLei-IPLeiria, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Luis Baptista
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde (Faculty of Health Sciences), Universidade da Beira Interior (Beira Interior University), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jorge Torgal
- Public Health Department, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA Lisbon University), Lisbon, Portugal
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Wilder-Smith
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore.,Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Duplessis CA, Gutierrez RL, Porter CK. Review: chronic and persistent diarrhea with a focus in the returning traveler. TROPICAL DISEASES TRAVEL MEDICINE AND VACCINES 2017; 3:9. [PMID: 28883979 PMCID: PMC5531020 DOI: 10.1186/s40794-017-0052-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Travelers’ diarrhea is a common malady afflicting up to 50% of travelers after a 2-week travel period. An appreciable percentage of these cases will become persistent or chronic. We summarized the published literature reporting persistent/chronic diarrhea in travelers elucidating current understanding of disease incidence, etiology and regional variability. Methods We searched electronic databases (Medline, Embase, and Cochrane database of clinical trials) from 1990 to 2015 using the following terms: “chronic or persistent diarrh* and (returning) travel* or enteropathogen, GeoSentinel, and travel-associated infection. Included studies published in the English language on adult returning travelers (duration < 3-months) reporting denominator data. Point estimates and standard 95% confidence intervals were calculated for incidence using a random-effects model. Study incidence heterogeneity rates were assessed using x2 heterogeneity statistics, graphically represented with Forest plots. Results We identified 19 studies meeting the inclusion criteria (all published after 1999). 18 studies reported upon the incidence of persistent/chronic diarrhea as a syndromic diagnosis in returning travelers; one study reported adequate denominator data from which to assess pathogen specific etiology. Giardiasis comprise an appreicaible percentage of infectious mediated persistent/chronic diarrhea in returning travelers. The overall estimate of persistent/chronic diarrhea incidence was 6% (0.05–0.07) in 321,454, travelers; with significant heterogeniety observed across regions. The total number of regional travelers, and point estimates for incidence (95% CI) for Latin American, African, and Asian travelers were [15816 (0.09 [0.07–0.11]), 42290 (0.06 [0.05–0.07]), and 27433 (0.07 [0.06–0.09])] respectively. We identified lower published rates of chronic diarrhea from Sub-Saharan Africa relative to [North Africa, South Central Asia, and Central America]. Persistent/chronic diarrhea ranked fourth as a syndromic diagnosis in all regions. Conclusions Persistent/Chronic diarrhea is a leading syndromic diagnosis in returning travelers across all regions. The 6% incidence [proportionate morbidity (PM) of 60] observed in over >300,000 global travelers is comparable to prior estimates. We identified lower published rates of chronic diarrhea from Sub-Saharan Africa relative to [North Africa, South Central Asia, and Central America]. Giardiasis comprises an appreciabile percentatge of travel-associated infectious mediated persistent/chronic diarrhea. There’s a dearth of published data characterizing the incidence of specific enteropathogenic etiologies for persistent/chronic diarrhea in returning travelers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Duplessis
- Enteric Disease Department, Infectious Disease Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 USA
| | - Ramiro L Gutierrez
- Enteric Disease Department, Infectious Disease Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 USA
| | - Chad K Porter
- Enteric Disease Department, Infectious Disease Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 USA
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19
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Riddle MS, Connor BA, Beeching NJ, DuPont HL, Hamer DH, Kozarsky P, Libman M, Steffen R, Taylor D, Tribble DR, Vila J, Zanger P, Ericsson CD. Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of travelers' diarrhea: a graded expert panel report. J Travel Med 2017; 24:S57-S74. [PMID: 28521004 PMCID: PMC5731448 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/tax026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND : Travelers' diarrhea causes significant morbidity including some sequelae, lost travel time and opportunity cost to both travelers and countries receiving travelers. Effective prevention and treatment are needed to reduce these negative impacts. METHODS : This critical appraisal of the literature and expert consensus guideline development effort asked several key questions related to antibiotic and non-antibiotic prophylaxis and treatment, utility of available diagnostics, impact of multi-drug resistant (MDR) colonization associated with travel and travelers' diarrhea, and how our understanding of the gastrointestinal microbiome should influence current practice and future research. Studies related to these key clinical areas were assessed for relevance and quality. Based on this critical appraisal, guidelines were developed and voted on using current standards for clinical guideline development methodology. RESULTS : New definitions for severity of travelers' diarrhea were developed. A total of 20 graded recommendations on the topics of prophylaxis, diagnosis, therapy and follow-up were developed. In addition, three non-graded consensus-based statements were adopted. CONCLUSIONS : Prevention and treatment of travelers' diarrhea requires action at the provider, traveler and research community levels. Strong evidence supports the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy in most cases of moderate to severe travelers' diarrhea, while either increasing intake of fluids only or loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate may suffice for most cases of mild diarrhea. Further studies are needed to address knowledge gaps regarding optimal therapies, the individual, community and global health risks of MDR acquisition, manipulation of the microbiome in prevention and treatment and the utility of laboratory testing in returning travelers with persistent diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bradley A. Connor
- Weill Cornell Medical College and The New York Center for Travel and
Tropical Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Beeching
- Clinical Science Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke
Place, Liverpool, UK and National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Unit
in Gastrointestinal Infections, Farr Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Davidson H. Hamer
- Department of Global Health, Center for Global Health and Development,
Boston University School of Public Health, Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of
Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Michael Libman
- J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University, Montreal,
Québec, Canada
| | - Robert Steffen
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, World Health
Organization Collaborating Centre for Traveller's Health, University of Zurich, Zurich,
Switzerland
| | | | - David R. Tribble
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD,
USA
| | - Jordi Vila
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, Hospital
Clínic–Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Philipp Zanger
- Institute of Public Health, University Hospitals,
Ruprecht-Karls-Universität, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Charles D. Ericsson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of
Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy E Thwaites
- From the Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (G.E.T., N.P.J.D.); Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (G.E.T.); and the Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand (N.P.J.D.)
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- From the Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (G.E.T., N.P.J.D.); Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (G.E.T.); and the Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand (N.P.J.D.)
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21
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Pre-Travel Medical Preparation of Business and Occupational Travelers: An Analysis of the Global TravEpiNet Consortium, 2009 to 2012. J Occup Environ Med 2016; 58:76-82. [PMID: 26479857 PMCID: PMC4697958 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to understand more about pre-travel preparations and itineraries of business and occupational travelers.
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Costa M, Oberholzer-Riss M, Hatz C, Steffen R, Puhan M, Schlagenhauf P. Pre-travel health advice guidelines for humanitarian workers: A systematic review. Travel Med Infect Dis 2016; 13:449-65. [PMID: 26701861 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last decades, there have been several natural disasters and global catastrophies with a steady increase in humanitarian relief work. This has resulted in increased research in the field of humanitarian aid, however the focus is mostly on the victims of the disasters and not on the individuals and organisations providing aid. OBJECTIVES The intent of this research is to review the information available on pre-deployment interventions and recommendations such as vaccinations and other health preserving measures in volunteers and professionals deploying abroad in humanitarian relief missions. METHODS We performed a systematic literature review of papers written in English, French, Italian or German. We searched the following databases: Cochrane, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and also hand searched reference lists. The cut-off date for the publication search was November 20th, 2014. In addition to the literature search we also sent a questionnaire to 30 organisations to detail their approach to preparing relief workers. RESULTS We identified 163 papers of possible relevance and finally included 35 papers in the systematic review. Six organisations provided information on pre-deployment preparation of aid workers. Identified papers show that pre-deployment physical and mental fitness are paramount for success in humanitarian missions. However, in many settings, pre-travel medical and psychological assessments and/or training/education sessions are not mandatory. We identified high-risk hazards for aid workers (often location specific), these included: travellers׳ diarrhoea, vector-borne infections, accidents, violence, tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis A, leptospirosis, typhoid fever, seasonal and H1N1 influenza. CONCLUSIONS The medical evaluation can identify problems or risk factors, such as psychological frailty, that can be exacerbated by the stressful settings of humanitarian missions. In this pre-travel setting, the status of routine vaccinations can be controlled and completed, medication dispensed and targeted preventive advice provided. A mission specific first-aid kit can be recommended. There is a lack of evidence-based literature on the theme of pre-travel advice guidelines for humanitarian workers. We propose a shared database of literature on this topic as a resource and suggest that some standardization of guidelines would be useful for future planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Costa
- University of Zurich Centre for Travel Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Travelers׳ Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Christoph Hatz
- University of Zurich Centre for Travel Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Travelers׳ Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Zürich, Switzerland; Swiss Academy of Military and Disaster Medicine (SAMD), Ittingen, Switzerland
| | - Robert Steffen
- University of Zurich Centre for Travel Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Travelers׳ Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Zürich, Switzerland; Swiss Academy of Military and Disaster Medicine (SAMD), Ittingen, Switzerland
| | - Milo Puhan
- University of Zurich Centre for Travel Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Travelers׳ Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Schlagenhauf
- University of Zurich Centre for Travel Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Travelers׳ Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Zürich, Switzerland; Swiss Academy of Military and Disaster Medicine (SAMD), Ittingen, Switzerland.
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Pavli A, Katerelos P, Smeti P, Maltezou HC. Meningococcal vaccination for international travellers from Greece visiting developing countries. Travel Med Infect Dis 2016; 14:261-6. [PMID: 26970397 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meningococcal meningitis is a serious disease. Travel-associated infection for the general traveller is low; however regular epidemics in indigenous population, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to assess meningococcal vaccination for international travellers from Greece. METHODS A prospective questionnaire-based study was conducted during 2009-2013. RESULTS A total of 5283 travellers were studied (median age: 39.2 years); Meningococcal tetravalent vaccine (A,C,W135,Y) was delivered to 1150 (21.8%) of them. Of those who travelled to the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa, 73.1% and 21.2% received meningococcal vaccine, respectively. Of those travellers who travelled to sub-Saharan Africa from November to June and from July to October, 22.1% and 20.6% were vaccinated with meningococcal vaccine, respectively. Of all travellers who travelled for <1 month and ≥1 month, 23.3%, and 20.5%, were vaccinated, respectively. Meningococcal vaccine was administered to 95.3% of pilgrims, 17.4% of those visiting friends and relatives (VFRs), 16.7% of those who travelled for recreation, and 13.8% of those who travelled for work. Of travellers who stayed in urban, in rural, and in urban and rural areas, 32%, 11.6% and 12.7% were vaccinated, respectively. Meningococcal vaccine was delivered to 29.2%, 21.1%, 19.4% and 5.1% of those who stayed in hotels, at local people's home, in camps, and on ships, respectively. The association of meningococcal vaccine administration with the destination, duration and purpose of travel, area of stay and type of accommodation was statistically significant. CONCLUSION There is a need to improve meningococcal vaccine recommendations for travellers from Greece, particularly for high risk populations, such as VFRs, business travellers and those visiting sub-Saharan Africa especially during the dry season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Androula Pavli
- Travel Medicine Office, Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Katerelos
- Department for Interventions in Health Care Facilities, Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Smeti
- Travel Medicine Office, Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - Helena C Maltezou
- Department for Interventions in Health Care Facilities, Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece.
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Palazuelos D, Dhillon R. Addressing the "Global Health Tax" and "Wild Cards": Practical Challenges to Building Academic Careers in Global Health. ACADEMIC MEDICINE : JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES 2016; 91:30-5. [PMID: 26244256 PMCID: PMC4885528 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000000845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Among many possible benefits, global health efforts can expand the skills and experience of U.S. clinicians, improve health for communities in need, and generate innovations in care delivery with relevance everywhere. Yet, despite high rates of interest among students and medical trainees to include global health opportunities in their training, there is still no clear understanding of how this interest will translate into viable and sustained global health careers after graduation. Building on a growing conversation about how to support careers in academic global health, this Perspective describes the practical challenges faced by physicians pursuing these careers after they complete training. Writing from their perspective as junior faculty at one U.S. academic health center with a dedicated focus on global health training, the authors describe a number of practical issues they have found to be critical both for their own career development and for the advice they provide their mentees. With a particular emphasis on the financial, personal, professional, and logistical challenges that young "expat" global health physicians in academic institutions face, they underscore the importance of finding ways to support these career paths, and propose possible solutions. Such investments would not only respond to the rational and moral imperatives of global health work and advance the mission of improving human health but also help to fully leverage the potential of what is already an unprecedented movement within academic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Palazuelos
- D. Palazuelos is assistant director, Howard Hiatt Global Health Equity Residency, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, and also holds a variety of positions as global health implementer-educator at Harvard Medical School and Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts. R. Dhillon is instructor, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, associate physician, Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, and senior health advisor, Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York
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25
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Has the economic crisis led to a new risk profile for international travelers? Rev Clin Esp 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Pérez-Molina J. Viajar por trabajo. ¿Un nuevo perfil de viajero de alto riesgo? Rev Clin Esp 2015; 215:446-8. [PMID: 26318417 PMCID: PMC7130407 DOI: 10.1016/j.rce.2015.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 07/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Roure S, Pérez-Quílez O, Vallès X, Martínez-Cuevas O, Sabrià M, Valerio L. Has the economic crisis led to a new risk profile for international travellers? Rev Clin Esp 2015; 215:439-45. [PMID: 26189889 DOI: 10.1016/j.rce.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The economic world crisis has led to the migration of European workers to developing countries with a high incidence of infectious diseases. The objective of this study was to assess whether this context has produced an increase in the risks to international travellers for work reasons (TWR). METHODS Observational, retrospective study. The study population included TWR who were attended before travelling at an International Health Unit in the year 2007 (the year before the initiation of the European crisis) and in the year 2012 (when the structural crisis was established). A comparative socioeconomic analysis was performed as well as an analysis of the risk factors present in both groups. RESULTS In 2007 and 2012 a total of 9,197 travellers were attended. Of these, there were 344 TWR (3.4%); 101 TWR (2.8%) in 2007 and 243 TWR (4.5%) in 2012 (p<0.001). The average age of the travellers was 38.1 years (SD: 10.57). The most common destination was Sub-Saharan Africa, in 164 (47.6%) of the cases. Malaria chemoprophylaxis was prescribed to 152 travellers (44%) and 80 presented comorbidity (23.25%). The TWR from 2012 presented a significantly greater age (p=0.05), more comorbidity (p=0.018) and a greater proportion of stays in rural areas (p=0.0009) for longer time periods (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS At 5 years from the start of the economic crisis, there was a change in the profile of TWR. Their number has increased significantly, as has the proportion who present risk factors for contracting imported diseases. The International Health Units should adapt to these new circumstances and adopt preventive measures for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Roure
- Unidad de Salud Internacional Metropolitana Norte, Institut Català de la Salut, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Catalunya, España; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Institut Català de la Salut, Badalona, Catalunya, España.
| | - O Pérez-Quílez
- Unidad de Salud Internacional Metropolitana Norte, Institut Català de la Salut, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Catalunya, España
| | - X Vallès
- Unidad de Salud Internacional Metropolitana Norte, Institut Català de la Salut, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Catalunya, España
| | - O Martínez-Cuevas
- Unidad de Salud Internacional Metropolitana Norte, Institut Català de la Salut, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Catalunya, España
| | - M Sabrià
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Institut Català de la Salut, Badalona, Catalunya, España
| | - L Valerio
- Unidad de Salud Internacional Metropolitana Norte, Institut Català de la Salut, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Catalunya, España; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
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Multisite clinical evaluation of a rapid test for Entamoeba histolytica in stool. J Clin Microbiol 2014; 53:493-7. [PMID: 25428152 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02836-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid point-of-care detection of enteric protozoa in diarrheal stool is desirable in clinical and research settings to efficiently determine the etiology of diarrhea. We analyzed the ability of the third-generation E. histolytica Quik Chek assay developed by Techlab to detect amebic antigens in fecal samples collected from independent study populations in South Africa and Bangladesh. We compared the performance of this recently released rapid test to that of the commercially available ProSpecT Entamoeba histolytica microplate assay from Remel and the E. histolytica II enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from Techlab, using real-time and nested-PCR for Entamoeba species to resolve any discrepant results. After discrepant resolution, The E. histolytica Quik Chek assay exhibited sensitivity and specificity compared to the E. histolytica II ELISA of 98.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 92.9% to 99.8%) and 100% (95% CI, 99.0% to 100%), respectively. Compared to the ProSpecT microplate assay, the E. histolytica Quik Chek (Quik Chek) assay exhibited 97.0% sensitivity (95% CI, 91.5% to 99.4%) and 100% specificity (95% CI, 99.0% to 100%). Our results indicate that the Quik Chek is a robust assay for the specific detection of E. histolytica trophozoites in unfixed frozen clinical stool samples.
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Vanhecke C, Nguimfack RNK, Berry A, Marchou B. [Descriptive analysis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in an expatriate community in Yaounde-Cameroon]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 107:332-6. [PMID: 25158843 DOI: 10.1007/s13149-014-0387-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is an endemic disease in Cameroon. Expatriate population is also affected by malaria risk. Many studies are published on malaria, but few are focused on the expatriate population. The objective was to describe epidemiological characteristics andmanagement ofmalaria at Plasmodium falciparum in Yaounde expatriate population. This is a retrospective analysis of all patients treated at health center of the French Embassy in Yaounde in 2013 with a diagnosis of malaria. 103 cases were recruited. Out of them, 32.7% came from the outskirts of Yaounde, 25.2% from the coastal area of Cameroon, and 20.4% from the center of Yaounde. 22 patients were hospitalized, including 6 in Emergency department. 3 deaths were reported during this period. Severe malaria cases are regularly detected in expatriate population inYaounde and preferentially patients, who are over 50 years old, long stay residents in Cameroon and they paid less attention on prevention and vector control. This study confirms the presence of urban malaria in Yaounde and the need to adopt measures including prophylaxis. To the ignorance of risk and the poor adherence to prophylactic measures, it appears important that the various embassies in northern countries have specific information to their expatriates living in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Vanhecke
- Centre médico-social, Ambassade de France au Cameroun, BP 1616, Yaoundé, Cameroun,
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several cases of lymphatic filariasis (LF) have been reported in non-endemic countries due to travellers, military personnel and expatriates spending time in and returning from endemic areas, as well as immigrants coming from these regions. These cases are reviewed to assess the scale and context of non-endemic presentations and to consider the biological factors underlying their relative paucity. METHODS Cases reported in the English, French, Spanish and Portuguese literature during the last 30 years were examined through a search of the PubMed, ProMED-mail and TropNet resources. RESULTS The literature research revealed 11 cases of lymphatic filariasis being reported in non-endemic areas. The extent of further infections in recent migrants to non-endemic countries was also revealed through the published literature. CONCLUSIONS The life-cycle requirements of Wuchereria and Brugia species limit the extent of transmission of LF outside of tropical regions. However, until elimination, programmes are successful in managing the disease, there remains a possibility of low rates of infection being reported in non-endemic areas, and increased international travel can only contribute to this phenomenon. Physicians need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lymphatic filariasis, and infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of people with a relevant travel history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T Jones
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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Diara M, Ngunjiri S. Malaria chemoprophylaxis compliance program: thinking inside the box. Travel Med Infect Dis 2014; 12:303-4. [PMID: 25001489 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Malick Diara
- ExxonMobil Medicine and Occupational Health Department, United States.
| | - Susan Ngunjiri
- ExxonMobil Medicine and Occupational Health Department, United States
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Pre-travel preparation practices among business travellers to tropical and subtropical destinations: Results from the Athens International Airport Survey. Travel Med Infect Dis 2014; 12:364-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2013] [Revised: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Rubach MP, Halliday JEB, Cleaveland S, Crump JA. Brucellosis in low-income and middle-income countries. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2014; 26:404-12. [PMID: 23963260 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0b013e3283638104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Human brucellosis is a neglected, underrecognized infection of widespread geographic distribution. It causes acute febrile illness and a potentially debilitating chronic infection in humans, and livestock infection has substantial socioeconomic impact. This review describes new information regarding the epidemiology of brucellosis in the developing world and advances in diagnosis and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS The highest recorded incidence of human brucellosis occurs in the Middle East and Central Asia. Fever etiology studies demonstrate brucellosis as a cause of undifferentiated febrile illness in the developing world. Brucellosis is a rare cause of fever among returning travelers, but is more common among travelers returning from the Middle East and North Africa. Sensitive and specific rapid diagnostic tests appropriate for resource-limited settings have been validated. Randomized controlled trials demonstrate that optimal treatment for human brucellosis consists of doxycycline and an aminoglycoside. Decreasing the burden of human brucellosis requires control of animal brucellosis, but evidence to inform the design of control programs in the developing world is needed. SUMMARY Brucellosis causes substantial morbidity in human and animal populations. While improvements in diagnostic options for resource-limited settings and stronger evidence for optimal therapy should enhance identification and treatment of human brucellosis, prevention of human disease through control in animals remains paramount.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Rubach
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Showler AJ, Wilson ME, Kain KC, Boggild AK. Parasitic diseases in travelers: a focus on therapy. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 12:497-521. [DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2014.892827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Pierre CM, Lim PL, Hamer DH. Expatriates: special considerations in pretravel preparation. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2013; 15:299-306. [PMID: 23784665 PMCID: PMC7089152 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-013-0342-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Expatriates comprise a diverse set of travelers who face unique medical, psychiatric, and non-health-related risks as a result of increased exposure to host country environment and associated lifestyle. Expatriates have an increased risk of developing malaria, gastrointestinal disorders, latent tuberculosis, vaccine-preventable infections, and psychological disorders, when compared with other travelers, yet the majority of existing pretravel guidelines have been designed to suit the needs of nonexpatriates. Although greater interest in expatriate health issues has led to improved characterization of illness in this population, expatriate-specific risk mitigation strategies-including modifications to chemoprophylaxis recommendations, limiting tuberculosis exposure, and prevention of occupational or sexual blood-borne virus transmission-are poorly described. Occupations and destinations affect travel-related disease risk and should inform the pretravel consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra M Pierre
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 1 Boston Medical Center Way, Boston, MA, 02118, USA,
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Sadjadi SA, Damodaran C, Sharif M. Strongyloides stercoralis infection in transplanted patients. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2013; 14:205-9. [PMID: 23826469 PMCID: PMC3700501 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.889341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PATIENT Male, 36. FINAL DIAGNOSIS Strongyloidiasis. SYMPTOMS Abdominal pain • anorexia • eosinophilia • fever • letargy • weight loss. MEDICATION - CLINICAL PROCEDURE - SPECIALTY Infectious diseases. OBJECTIVE Challenging differential diagnosis, rare disease. BACKGROUND Strongyloidiasis is a worldwide infection, infecting approximately 100 million people in more than 70 countries. It is common in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Papua New Guinea and some parts of the United States. Malnutrition, cancer, organ transplantation, hemodialysis and prolonged use of corticosteroids increase the risk of this opportunistic infection. Undiagnosed and untreated, its mortality rate can be high. CASE REPORT We present a 36 year old Black man with history of malignant hypertension and glomerulonephritis who had chronic eosinophilia and vague, poorly localized abdominal pain and tenderness. He received three deceased donor kidney transplants, two of them failed and the third one succeeded. However, after transplantation, his abdominal pain and discomfort increased, became anorexic, lost weight and developed fever and lethargy. Duodenal aspirate examination was positive for strongyloides stercoralis. Immunosuppressant medications were discontinued and he was treated with thiabendazole. In spite of treatment, his condition deteriorated and he expired. CONCLUSIONS Due to low sensitivity of stool and serological examinations, diagnosis of strongyloidiasis often is delayed. A high index of suspicion and prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential in decreasing the morbidity and mortality of this infection. Before organ transplantation, every attempt should be made to find the cause of peripheral blood eosinophilia and in endemic areas and among patients coming from countries where the infection is known to exist, organ recipients and donors should be screened for parasitic infections including strongyloidiasis.
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis is increasingly encountered among travelers returning from the tropics, mainly from Africa. Schistosoma-infected travelers have served as sentinels for the existence of unknown foci of transmission even outside Africa. Acute schistosomiasis (also termed Katayama syndrome) is the common manifestation among travelers and may follow exposure to any of the Schistosoma species. Neuroschistosomiasis is a rare complication but may result in severe disability. Diagnosis in travelers is hampered by the poor sensitivity of microscopy in urine and stool, especially during acute infections, while seroconversion may be delayed for a period of weeks. During acute schistosomiasis, symptomatic treatment is the only available therapy, while for chronic schistosomiasis, praziquantel is the only drug available, despite reports of emerging resistance to it. Since the potential for exposure to Schistosoma through travel will probably continue to increase, it is clear that new, sensitive diagnostic methods and drugs affecting the parasite in all its stages are needed.
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