Helminth-related Eosinophilia in African Immigrants, Gran Canaria

Abstract

Of 788 recent African adult immigrants to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 213 (27.0%) had eosinophilia. The most frequent causes were filariasis (29.4%), schistosomiasis (17.2%), and hookworm infection (16.8%). Stool microscopy and filarial and schistosomal serologic tests gave the highest diagnostic yield. Country of origin and eosinophil count were associated with specific diagnoses.

Infectious Diseases in Sub-Saharan Immigrants to Spain

“…10,11,18,32 Similar to previous studies, no relationship was found between having symptoms and the presence of imported infectious diseases, suggesting that screening protocols should be carried out regardless of clinical status. 9,33 The prevalence of pathogenic infectious disease was high (73%).…”

“…16,17 Previous studies have considered relative and absolute eosinophilia and hyper-IgE as good indicators to facilitate the diagnosis of helminth infections in immigrants and travelers. [18][19][20][21] Some countries have launched screening protocols for immigrants including clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory screening. [22][23][24] This situation may be exacerbated by administrative problems such as the lack of legal documentation, difficulties to obtaining access to health care, and the attitude of not seeking medical treatment held by many immigrants.…”

The Changing Face of Canadian Immigration: Implications for Infectious Diseases

“…Strongyloides was found in only 2.3%, but stool testing alone was performed (15). The country of origin was associated with specific diseases, and higher eosinophilic counts (median 1000×10 9 μL) were seen with filariasis (15). A Spanish study by Roca et al (16) found 200 cases (15.2%) of schistosomiasis among 1321 African immigrants, almost 50% of whom were asymptomatic and 30% had nonspecific abdominal pain.…”

“…A parasitic infection was diagnosed in 75.6%, most frequently filariasis (29.6%) followed by schistosomiasis (17.4%), hookworm infection (16.8%) and Trichuris species (8.4%) infection. Strongyloides was found in only 2.3%, but stool testing alone was performed (15). The country of origin was associated with specific diseases, and higher eosinophilic counts (median 1000×10 9 μL) were seen with filariasis (15).…”

“…Pardo et al (15) prospectively evaluated 788 recent African adult immigrants to Spain, of whom 95% were from sub-Saharan countries. A parasitic infection was diagnosed in 75.6%, most frequently filariasis (29.6%) followed by schistosomiasis (17.4%), hookworm infection (16.8%) and Trichuris species (8.4%) infection.…”