Decreasing Intestinal Parasites in Recent Northern California Refugees

Decreasing Intestinal Parasites in Recent Northern California Refugees AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE Chang, A. H., Perry, S., Du, J. N., Agunbiade, A., Polesky, A., Parsonnet, J. 2013; 88 (1): 191-197

Abstract

Beginning in 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded the overseas presumptive treatment of intestinal parasites with albendazole to include refugees from the Middle East. We surveyed the prevalence of helminths and protozoa in recent Middle Eastern refugees (2008-2010) in comparison with refugees from other geographical regions and from a previous survey (2001-2004) in Santa Clara County, California. Based on stool microscopy, helminth infections decreased, particularly in Middle Eastern refugees (0.1% versus 2.3% 2001-2004, P = 0.01). Among all refugees, Giardia intestinalis was the most common protozoan found. Protozoa infections also decreased somewhat in Middle Eastern refugees (7.2%, 2008-2010 versus 12.9%, 2001-2004, P = 0.08). Serology for Strongyloides stercoralis and Schistosoma spp. identified more infected individuals than stool exams. Helminth infections are increasingly rare in refugees to Northern California. Routine screening stool microscopy may be unnecessary in all refugees.

View details for DOI 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.12-0349

View details for Web of Science ID 000313757500031

View details for PubMedID 23149583

View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3541735