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Shield J, Braat S, Watts M, Robertson G, Beaman M, McLeod J, Baird RW, Hart J, Robson J, Lee R, McKessar S, Nicholson S, Mayer-Coverdale J, Biggs BA. Seropositivity and geographical distribution of Strongyloides stercoralis in Australia: A study of pathology laboratory data from 2012-2016. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009160. [PMID: 33690623 PMCID: PMC7978363 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are no national prevalence studies of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Australia, although it is known to be endemic in northern Australia and is reported in high risk groups such as immigrants and returned travellers. We aimed to determine the seropositivity (number positive per 100,000 of population and percent positive of those tested) and geographical distribution of S. stercoralis by using data from pathology laboratories. Methodology We contacted all seven Australian laboratories that undertake Strongyloides serological (ELISA antibody) testing to request de-identified data from 2012–2016 inclusive. Six responded. One provided positive data only. The number of people positive, number negative and number tested per 100,000 of population (Australian Bureau of Statistics data) were calculated including for each state/territory, each Australian Bureau of Statistics Statistical Area Level 3 (region), and each suburb/town/community/locality. The data was summarized and expressed as maps of Australia and Greater Capital Cities. Principal findings We obtained data for 81,777 people who underwent serological testing for Strongyloides infection, 631 of whom were from a laboratory that provided positive data only. Overall, 32 (95% CI: 31, 33) people per 100,000 of population were seropositive, ranging between 23/100,000 (95% CI: 19, 29) (Tasmania) and 489/100,000 population (95%CI: 462, 517) (Northern Territory). Positive cases were detected across all states and territories, with the highest (260-996/100,000 and 17–40% of those tested) in regions across northern Australia, north-east New South Wales and north-west South Australia. Some regions in Greater Capital Cities also had a high seropositivity (112-188/100,000 and 17–20% of those tested). Relatively more males than females tested positive. Relatively more adults than children tested positive. Children were under-represented in the data. Conclusions/Significance The study confirms that substantial numbers of S. stercoralis infections occur in Australia and provides data to inform public health planning. Strongyloides stercoralis, a parasitic roundworm, is endemic in many countries world-wide. In Australia, groups at risk for strongyloidiasis include Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, who acquired this parasite locally, and immigrants and returned travellers who acquired the infection outside Australia. We obtained deidentified results of ELISA IgG antibody tests for Strongyloides from diagnostic pathology laboratories during 2012 to 2016 and calculated the number of people who were positive at least once and the number who never had a positive result. We drew maps showing the number positive per 100,000 of population, the percent positive of those tested, and the number tested/100,000 for each region and the number positive in each suburb of residence according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The highest seropositivity (260-996/100,000 of population) was in Northern Australia, north-west South Australia and north-east New South Wales where many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live in remote communities. There were also some regions in Greater Capital Cities with a high number of people positive per 100,000 of population (112-188/100,000), likely reflecting higher populations of immigrants and returned travellers who were infected outside Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Shield
- Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases at the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy and Applied Science, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Sabine Braat
- Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases at the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Watts
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Pathology West-ICPMR and Marie Bashir Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Miles Beaman
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - James McLeod
- Territory Pathology, Alice Springs Hospital, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Robert W. Baird
- Territory Pathology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Julie Hart
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jennifer Robson
- Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, Bowen Hills, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rogan Lee
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Pathology West-ICPMR and Marie Bashir Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Suellen Nicholson
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Beverley-Ann Biggs
- Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases at the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Disease Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Gordon CA, Shield JM, Bradbury RS, Muhi S, Page W, Judd JA, Lee R, Biggs BA, Ross K, Kurscheid J, Gray DJ, McManus DP. HTLV-I and Strongyloides in Australia: The worm lurking beneath. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2021; 111:119-201. [PMID: 33482974 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis and HTLV-I (human T-lymphotropic virus-1) are important infections that are endemic in many countries around the world with an estimated 370 million infected with Strongyloides stercoralis alone, and 5-10 million with HTVL-I. Co-infections with these pathogens are associated with significant morbidity and can be fatal. HTLV-I infects T-cells thus causing dysregulation of the immune system which has been linked to dissemination and hyperinfection of S. stercoralis leading to bacterial sepsis which can result in death. Both of these pathogens are endemic in Australia primarily in remote communities in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. Other cases in Australia have occurred in immigrants and refugees, returned travellers, and Australian Defence Force personnel. HTLV-I infection is lifelong with no known cure. Strongyloidiasis is a long-term chronic disease that can remain latent for decades, as shown by infections diagnosed in prisoners of war from World War II and the Vietnam War testing positive decades after they returned from these conflicts. This review aims to shed light on concomitant infections of HTLV-I with S. stercoralis primarily in Australia but in the global context as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Jennifer M Shield
- Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard S Bradbury
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University, Berwick, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen Muhi
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Wendy Page
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Jenni A Judd
- School of Health Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia; Centre for Indigenous Health Equity Research, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
| | - Rogan Lee
- Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Beverley-Ann Biggs
- Department of Medicine, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kirstin Ross
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Johanna Kurscheid
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Page WA, Judd JA, MacLaren DJ, Buettner P. Integrating testing for chronic strongyloidiasis within the Indigenous adult preventive health assessment system in endemic communities in the Northern Territory, Australia: An intervention study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008232. [PMID: 32401755 PMCID: PMC7219702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The life-threatening clinical manifestations of strongyloidiasis are preventable with early detection and effective treatment. The aim of this study was to assess if there was an increase to the number and proportion of persons tested for chronic strongyloidiasis, as a result of integrating Strongyloides stercoralis serology into the existing preventive health assessment system in four Aboriginal health services in endemic communities. Methodology A prospective, longitudinal, before-and-after intervention study was conducted in four Aboriginal health services in remote endemically infected communities in the Northern Territory, Australia, from July 2012 to December 2016. The electronic patient information and recall systems enabled the integration of Strongyloides stercoralis serology into the adult preventive health assessment. Strongyloides reports for each health service were extracted half-yearly to examine the number and proportion of persons tested for chronic strongyloidiasis during the study and to measure the effect of the intervention. Principal findings The number and proportion of persons tested increased significantly during the study. From a total resident population of 3650 Indigenous adults over 15 years of age, 1686 persons (47.4%) were tested. The percentage of adults who had at least one serology test increased in all four health services to between 41% (446/1086) and 81.9% (172/210). Of the 1686 persons tested, 680 positive cases of chronic strongyloidiasis (40.3%) were identified. Conclusions/Significance This population health systems intervention increased the number and proportion of persons tested for chronic strongyloidiasis in four health services in endemically infected communities. This intervention is relevant to other health services with high-risk populations. Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease that is endemic in some Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. This study asks if the number and proportion of persons tested for chronic strongyloidiasis can be increased by incorporating a Strongyloides serology test into the existing routine Indigenous adult preventive health assessment system in remote endemic communities. This study demonstrated that integrating Strongyloides serology test within the Indigenous adult preventive health assessment system does increase the number and proportion of people tested in endemic communities. This intervention means that life-threatening clinical complications of strongyloidiasis can be prevented by early detection and treatment. Primary health care services have an important role in increased testing in this high-risk population. Primary health care clinicians incorporated chronic strongyloidiasis with other preventable chronic and infectious diseases. The sustainable population health systems-based approach successfully increased coverage by integrating testing for chronic strongyloidiasis into the adult preventive health assessment in health services in remote Indigenous Australian endemic communities, utilising the electronic health record system. The Strongyloides report developed to measure the change in clinical practice would be replicable in other health services with high risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy A. Page
- Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Jenni A. Judd
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Division of Higher Education, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Indigenous Health Equity Research, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Health Systems Strengthening, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - David J. MacLaren
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Petra Buettner
- Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- Tropical Health Solutions, Queensland, Australia
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Gordon CA, Kurscheid J, Jones MK, Gray DJ, McManus DP. Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Tropical Australia and Asia. Trop Med Infect Dis 2017; 2:E56. [PMID: 30270913 PMCID: PMC6082059 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed2040056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect 2 billion people worldwide including significant numbers in South-East Asia (SEA). In Australia, STH are of less concern; however, indigenous communities are endemic for STH, including Strongyloides stercoralis, as well as for serious clinical infections due to other helminths such as Toxocara spp. The zoonotic hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum is also present in Australia and SEA, and may contribute to human infections particularly among pet owners. High human immigration rates to Australia from SEA, which is highly endemic for STH Strongyloides and Toxocara, has resulted in a high prevalence of these helminthic infections in immigrant communities, particularly since such individuals are not screened for worm infections upon entry. In this review, we consider the current state of STH infections in Australia and SEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Queensland 4006, Australia.
| | - Johanna Kurscheid
- Australian National University, Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia.
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia.
| | - Darren J Gray
- Australian National University, Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia.
| | - Donald P McManus
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Queensland 4006, Australia.
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Mayer-Coverdale JK, Crowe A, Smith P, Baird RW. Trends in Strongyloides stercoralis Faecal Larvae Detections in the Northern Territory, Australia: 2002 to 2012. Trop Med Infect Dis 2017; 2:tropicalmed2020018. [PMID: 30270877 PMCID: PMC6082076 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed2020018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted helminth (STH) endemic to tropical and subtropical areas. We reviewed the temporal detection trends in patients with S. stercoralis larvae present in faecal samples, in Northern Territory (NT) Government Health facilities, between 2002 and 2012. This was a retrospective observational study of consecutive patients with microbiologically confirmed detection of S. stercoralis in faeces. The presence of anaemia, eosinophilia, polyparasitism, and geographic and demographic data, were included in the assessment. S. stercoralis larvae were present in 389 of 22,892 faecal samples (1.7%) collected across the NT over 11 years, examined by microscopy after formol ethyl acetate concentration. 97.7% of detections were in Indigenous patients. Detections, by number, occurred in a biphasic age distribution. Detections per number of faecal samples collected, were highest in the 0–5 year age group. Anaemia was present in 44.8%, and eosinophilia in 49.9% of patients. Eosinophilia was present in 65.5% of the ≤5 age group, compared to 40.8% of >5 year age (p < 0.0001). Polyparasitism was present in 31.4% of patients. There was an overall downward trend in larvae detections from 2.64% to 0.99% detections/number of faecal samples year between 2002 and 2012, consistent with the trends observed for other local STHs. S. stercoralis remains an important NT-wide pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna K Mayer-Coverdale
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Queensland 4001, Australia.
| | - Amy Crowe
- Infectious Diseases Physician, St Vincent's Hospital, 41 Victoria Pde, Fitzroy 3065, Australia.
| | - Pamela Smith
- Microbiology, Territory Pathology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi 0810, Australia.
| | - Robert W Baird
- Microbiology, Territory Pathology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi 0810, Australia.
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Buonfrate D, Requena-Mendez A, Angheben A, Muñoz J, Gobbi F, Van Den Ende J, Bisoffi Z. Severe strongyloidiasis: a systematic review of case reports. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:78. [PMID: 23394259 PMCID: PMC3598958 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strongyloidiasis is commonly a clinically unapparent, chronic infection, but immuno suppressed subjects can develop fatal disease. We carried out a review of literature on hyperinfection syndrome (HS) and disseminated strongyloidiasis (DS), in order to describe the most challenging aspects of severe strongyloidiasis. METHODS We conducted a structured search using PubMed to collect case reports and short case series on HS/DS published from 1991 to 2011. We restricted search to papers in English, Spanish, Italian and French. Case reports were classified as HS/DS according to given definitions. RESULTS Records screened were 821, and 311 were excluded through titles and abstract evaluation. Of 510 full-text articles assessed for eligibility, 213 were included in qualitative analysis. As some of them were short case series, eventually the number of cases analyzed was 244.Steroids represented the main trigger predisposing to HS and DS (67% cases): they were mostly administered to treat underlying conditions (e.g. lymphomas, rheumatic diseases). However, sometimes steroids were empirically prescribed to treat signs and symptoms caused by unsuspected/unrecognized strongyloidiasis. Diagnosis was obtained by microscopy examination in 100% cases, while serology was done in a few cases (6.5%). Only in 3/29 cases of solid organ/bone marrow transplantation there is mention of pre-transplant serological screening. Therapeutic regimens were different in terms of drugs selection and combination, administration route and duration. Similar fatality rate was observed between patients with DS (68.5%) and HS (60%). CONCLUSIONS Proper screening (which must include serology) is mandatory in high - risk patients, for instance candidates to immunosuppressive medications, currently or previously living in endemic countries. In some cases, presumptive treatment might be justified. Ivermectin is the gold standard for treatment, although the optimal dosage is not clearly defined in case of HS/DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Buonfrate
- Centre for Tropical Diseases (CTD), Sacro Cuore Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Ana Requena-Mendez
- Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB) Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Angheben
- Centre for Tropical Diseases (CTD), Sacro Cuore Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Jose Muñoz
- Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB) Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Federico Gobbi
- Centre for Tropical Diseases (CTD), Sacro Cuore Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Jef Van Den Ende
- Department of Clinical sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Centre for Tropical Diseases (CTD), Sacro Cuore Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
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Mattioni S, Valin N, Cracco C, Thellier M, Danis M, Caumes E. Fatal relapse of disseminated strongyloidiasis in an HIV-positive patient, despite ivermectin treatment. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2008; 102:693-8. [PMID: 19000386 DOI: 10.1179/136485908x337616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
There are no established guidelines for the treatment of disseminated strongyloidiasis in immunosuppressed patients, and many different treatment regimens have been used. Here, the case of a 48-year-old, HIV-positive, Congolese man, who was hospitalized for disseminated tuberculosis but developed life-threatening disseminated strongyloidiasis, is described. This patient died, with relapsing disseminated strongyloidiasis, 3 months after being treated with ivermectin. The reasons for this poor outcome and the various treatment options for strongyloidiasis in HIV-infected patients are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mattioni
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, 47-83 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, F-75013 Paris, France
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Pattison DA, Speare R. Strongyloidiasis in personnel of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). Med J Aust 2008; 189:203-6. [PMID: 18707563 DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2008.tb01982.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2007] [Accepted: 03/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the first reported cases of strongyloidiasis in the Solomon Islands, and to establish whether this disease poses a risk to personnel of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective review of the pathology database of the RAMSI Medical Facility in Honiara, Solomon Islands, for the period 1 July 2006-30 September 2007. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Number and clinical features of confirmed cases of Strongyloides stercoralis infestation, as diagnosed by serological tests or faecal microscopy. RESULTS Fourteen confirmed cases of strongyloidiasis in previously healthy RAMSI participants were identified. Of 13 patients with notes available, symptoms documented at presentation included epigastric pain (10 patients), diarrhoea (7) and urticaria (4). Clinical disease in all patients responded to oral antihelminthic therapy (albendazole or ivermectin). CONCLUSIONS Strongyloidiasis is endemic in the Solomon Islands and a risk for RAMSI personnel. Australian medical professionals should be aware of this potentially fatal and lifelong infestation, particularly the importance of an occupation history, appropriate diagnostic tests, effective treatment and adequate follow-up to document cure. We recommend implementation of a postdeployment screening program for strongyloidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Pattison
- RAMSI Medical Facility, Aspen Medical, Honiara, Solomon Islands.
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Caruana SR, Kelly HA, Ngeow JYY, Ryan NJ, Bennett CM, Chea L, Nuon S, Bak N, Skull SA, Biggs BA. Undiagnosed and potentially lethal parasite infections among immigrants and refugees in Australia. J Travel Med 2006; 13:233-9. [PMID: 16884406 DOI: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2006.00045.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal parasite infections are a major cause of ill health in many resource-poor countries. This study compares the types and rates of these infections and their risk factors in recently arrived and long-term immigrants in Australia. Cross-sectional surveys of 127 East African and 234 Cambodian immigrants and refugees were undertaken in 2000 and 2002, respectively, to assess the burden of intestinal parasites and collect demographic information. Serum samples were assessed for eosinophilia and Strongyloides stercoralis and Schistosoma antibodies, and feces examined for ova, cysts, and parasites. Intestinal parasites were identified in 77/117 fecal samples from East African and in 25/204 samples collected from Cambodian participants. Eleven percent (14/124) of East Africans and 42% (97/230) of Cambodians had positive or equivocal serology for S stercoralis. Schistosoma serology was positive or equivocal in 15% (19/124) of East African participants. Potentially serious intestinal parasite infections are common among recent and longer term immigrants despite multiple visits to health care providers. Immigrants and refugees from high-risk countries would benefit from comprehensive health checks soon after resettlement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia R Caruana
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
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Karunajeewa H, Kelly H, Leslie D, Leydon J, Saykao P, Biggs BA. Parasite-specific IgG response and peripheral blood eosinophil count following albendazole treatment for presumed chronic strongyloidiasis. J Travel Med 2006; 13:84-91. [PMID: 16553594 DOI: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2006.00004.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In developed countries, asymptomatic chronic Strongyloides stercoralis infection occurs in immigrants from endemic regions of the world. Accurate and reliable means of diagnosis and follow-up are required for effective management. The role of S stercoralis enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in this context was examined. METHODS In this study, 95 asymptomatic Laotian immigrants living in Melbourne, Australia, for an average of 12 years, were screened for S stercoralis infection using stool microscopy, eosinophil count, and serology by ELISA. Twenty-two patients with a positive ELISA were treated with albendazole, 400 mg twice daily for 3 days, and monitored with serology, fecal microscopy, and eosinophil counts at 2, 6, 12, and 36 months after treatment. RESULTS Patients with moderately reactive baseline ELISA and no eosinophilia had no significant change in either measure over the 36 months of follow-up. All patients with a strongly reactive baseline ELISA showed a reduction in reactivity over the first 6 months of treatment. However, in 50% of these patients, reactivity increased between 12 and 36 months, suggesting treatment failure and relapse of infection. One patient had confirmed treatment failure based on the development of hyperinfection syndrome. CONCLUSION The results support evidence that serology is a valuable tool in monitoring treatment responses in patients with suspected strongyloidiasis and highlights the need to ensure that S stercoralis is completely eradicated after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harin Karunajeewa
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Johnston FH, Morris PS, Speare R, McCarthy J, Currie B, Ewald D, Page W, Dempsey K. Strongyloidiasis: A review of the evidence for Australian practitioners. Aust J Rural Health 2005; 13:247-54. [PMID: 16048468 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1584.2005.00710.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarise the available evidence concerning the prevalence, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management of strongyloidiasis in Northern Australia. METHODS We searched Medline, Clinical Evidence and the Cochrane Library using MeSH terms and text words 'strongyloides OR strongyloidiasis'. For Australian studies we included text words '(parasite* OR parasitic OR helminth*) AND Australia*'. We examined references contained in retrieved studies or identified from direct contact with researchers. Studies consistent with our objective that described their methods were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS The prevalence in some tropical Aboriginal communities is high. Infection can be asymptomatic, cause a range of clinical syndromes or death. It may become chronic. Infected patients are at risk of developing severe disseminated disease particularly with immune compromise. There is little information about the relative frequency of different clinical outcomes. Available diagnostic tools are imperfect. Stool examination has a low sensitivity. Serology may have a low specificity in high prevalence populations and has not been evaluated in Aboriginal populations. Antihelmintic drugs are relatively safe and effective. Community programs based on treatment of stool-positive cases have been associated with a reduced prevalence of strongyloidiasis. We found no studies examining alternative public health interventions. CONCLUSION There is a high prevalence in many Aboriginal communities. Strongyloides infection should be excluded prior to commencing immunosuppressive therapies in patients from endemic areas. Further studies examining the public health impact of strongyloidiasis, the role of the enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay serological test and population-based approaches to management of the disease in endemically infected Australian populations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fay H Johnston
- Centre for Remote Health, Northern Territory, Australia.
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Mukerjee CM, Carrick J, Walker JC, Woods RL. Pulmonary strongyloidiasis presenting as chronic bronchitis leading to interlobular septal fibrosis and cured by treatment. Respirology 2003; 8:536-40. [PMID: 14708557 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1843.2003.00505.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Two patients presented with long-standing chronic bronchitis and exertional dyspnoea of 5 and 3 months' duration, respectively, and had interlobular septal fibrosis on chest high resolution CT. In the past both had lived in areas in which Strongyloides stercoralis was known to be endemic. Serological tests confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary strongyloidiasis, and both patients were treated with anti-helminthic medications, including albendazole and ivermectin. Following this there was complete resolution of both symptomatic and radiological manifestations of their disease. An awareness of the possibility of Strongyloides infection presenting with respiratory symptoms in patients exposed to this parasite is important in the management of such patients.
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