Journal of travel medicine
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Shigella remains one of the most common causes of diarrhoea in South Asia. Current estimates of the prevalence of Shigella are critical for guiding control measures. We estimated the prevalence of Shigella species and serogroups in South Asia. ⋯ Although the prevalence of Shigella in South Asia remains generally high, it varies by age group and geographical area, with data lacking in some countries. Effective Shigella vaccines would be advantageous for both endemic communities and travellers.
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Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium. NCC mainly occurs in Africa, Latin America and South-East Asia and can cause a variety of clinical signs/symptoms. Although it is a rare disease in Europe, it should nonetheless be considered as a differential diagnosis. The aim of this study was to describe clinical characteristics and management of patients with NCC diagnosed and treated in Europe. ⋯ Management of NCC in Europe varied considerably but often had a good outcome. Travel and migration to and from areas endemic for T. solium will likely result in continued low prevalence of NCC in Europe. Therefore, training and guidance of clinicians is recommended for optimal patient management.
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Schistosomiasis can lead to severe irreversible complications and death if left untreated. Italian and European guidelines recommend serological screening for this infection in migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, studies on clinical and economic impact of this strategy in the Italian and European settings are lacking. This study aims to compare benefits and costs of different strategies to manage schistosomiasis in migrants from SSA to Italy. ⋯ The results of the model suggest that presumptive treatment and screening strategies are more favourable than the current passive diagnosis in the public health management of schistosomiasis in SSA migrants, especially in a longer period analysis.
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Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. Schistosoma haematobium causes urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS), a chronic disease characterized by pathology of the urogenital tract leading to potentially severe morbidity for which the treatment is poorly standardized. We conducted a survey in TropNet centres on the clinical presentations and management strategies of complicated urogenital schistosomiasis (cUGS). ⋯ Very few cases of cUGSs were found in our survey, possibly indicating underdiagnosis of this condition. Hydronephrosis was the most frequently observed urogenital complication, and most patients required invasive procedures. Infection by S. haematobium can result in considerable morbidity, resulting in clinically challenging presentations requiring a multidisciplinary approach. As such, development of common protocols for early diagnosis and treatment is urgently needed.