TY - JOUR
T1 - Characteristics of schistosomiasis in travelers reported to the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network 1997-2008
AU - Nicolls, Deborah J.
AU - Weld, Leisa H.
AU - Schwartz, Eli
AU - Reed, Christie
AU - Von Sonnenburg, Frank
AU - Freedman, David O.
AU - Kozarsky, Phyllis E.
PY - 2008/11
Y1 - 2008/11
N2 - Among ill returned travelers to Schistosoma-endemic areas reported to the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network over a decade 410 schistosomiasis diagnoses were identified: 102 Schistosoma mansoni, 88 S. haematobium, 7 S. japonicum, and 213 Schistosoma unknown human species. A total of 83% were acquired in Africa. Unlike previous large case series, individuals born in endemic areas were excluded. Controlling for age and sex, those traveling for missionary or volunteer work, or as expatriates were more likely to be diagnosed with schistosomiasis. Sixty-three percent of those with schistosomiasis presented within six months of travel. Those seen early more often presented with fever and respiratory symptoms compared with those who presented later. One-third of patients with schistosomiasis were asymptomatic at diagnosis. Half of those examined for schistosomiasis were diagnosed with infection. Screening for schistosomiasis should be encouraged for all potentially exposed travelers and especially for missionaries, volunteers, and expatriates.
AB - Among ill returned travelers to Schistosoma-endemic areas reported to the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network over a decade 410 schistosomiasis diagnoses were identified: 102 Schistosoma mansoni, 88 S. haematobium, 7 S. japonicum, and 213 Schistosoma unknown human species. A total of 83% were acquired in Africa. Unlike previous large case series, individuals born in endemic areas were excluded. Controlling for age and sex, those traveling for missionary or volunteer work, or as expatriates were more likely to be diagnosed with schistosomiasis. Sixty-three percent of those with schistosomiasis presented within six months of travel. Those seen early more often presented with fever and respiratory symptoms compared with those who presented later. One-third of patients with schistosomiasis were asymptomatic at diagnosis. Half of those examined for schistosomiasis were diagnosed with infection. Screening for schistosomiasis should be encouraged for all potentially exposed travelers and especially for missionaries, volunteers, and expatriates.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=55849124019&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.4269/ajtmh.2008.79.729
DO - 10.4269/ajtmh.2008.79.729
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C2 - 18981513
AN - SCOPUS:55849124019
VL - 79
SP - 729
EP - 734
JO - American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
JF - American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
SN - 0002-9637
IS - 5
ER -