scholarly journals Prevalence of parasitic infections among recent immigrants to Chicago

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesica A. Herrick ◽  
Monica Nordstrom ◽  
Patrick Maloney ◽  
Miguel Rodriguez ◽  
Kevin Naceanceno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Disparity ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
The United States ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Recent Immigrants ◽  
Immigrant Populations ◽  
Important Health ◽  
Stool Samples

ABSTRACTBackgroundParasitic infections are likely under-recognized among immigrant populations in the United States (US). We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the frequency of such infections among recent immigrants in Chicago and to identify predictive factors for parasitic infections.Methodology and principal findings133 recent immigrants were enrolled, filling out a standardized questionnaire regarding medical history and exposures and providing blood and stool samples for evaluation. Fifteen of 125 subjects (12%) who provided a blood or stool sample for testing were found to have evidence of current or prior infection with a pathogenic parasite, of whichToxocaraspp. (8 subjects, 6.4%) andStrongyloides stercoralis(5 subjects, 4%) were most commonly identified. Parasitic infection was more likely among subjects who had immigrated within the previous 2 years and those with a self-reported history of ever having seen worms in the stool. Infected individuals were likely to have multiple nonspecific physical complaints; however, classic symptoms of parasitic infections (skin rashes, diarrhea,etc.)were not increased among infected individuals. The most useful surrogate markers identified for parasitic infections were an elevated Immunoglobulin E level (seen in 7/15 subjects with parasitic infections, 46.7% and 22/110 uninfected individuals, 20%, p=0.04) and the presence ofBlastocystis hominiscysts on Ova & Parasite exam (detected in 5/13 subjects with parasitic infections who provided a stool sample, 38.5% and 5/98 uninfected subjects, 5.1%, p=0.002). In contrast, the Absolute Eosinophil Count (typically thought of as an indicator of parasites) was not found to be a good screening test for parasitic infections in this study.ConclusionsOur study found that parasitic infections are common in recent US immigrants, which highlights an important health disparity among a vulnerable population. Further, we found that classically used symptoms and laboratory tests had a low predictive value for parasitic infections in this population.AUTHOR SUMMARYParasitic infections, though rare in the United States (US), are common in many areas of the world including the regions of origin of many US immigrants. However, the prevalence rates and health impacts of these infections in immigrant populations are undefined. We conducted a study to identify the frequency of parasitic infections among healthy immigrants in one community, recruiting 133 immigrants from 28 countries. Subjects completed a standardized questionnaire regarding symptoms and infection risk-factors and provided blood and stool samples for testing. Twelve percent of subjects in our study had evidence of current or previous pathogenic parasitic infections. Symptoms and risk factors classically thought to be associated with parasitic infection (allergic symptoms, elevated blood eosinophil counts,etc.)were common among enrolled subjects, but did not differ significantly between those with and without evidence for infection. Overall, our results suggest that many immigrants, even those who are asymptomatic, may have undiagnosed parasitic infections. These results highlight an important health disparity among a vulnerable underserved population in the US. As most of these infections are easily treatable, more research should be done to further characterize the optimal testing strategies for recent immigrants.

Wrestling with 9/11: Immigrant Perceptions and Perceptions of Immigrants

2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Brettell
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Immigration Policy ◽  
Asian Indians ◽  
World Trade Center ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fort Worth ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Immigrant Populations ◽  
Trade Center ◽  
The Impact

Soon after 9/11 a research project to study new immigration into the Dallas Fort Worth metropolitan area got under way. In the questionnaire that was administered to 600 immigrants across five different immigrant populations (Asian Indians, Vietnamese, Mexicans, Salvadorans, and Nigerians) between 2003 and 2005 we decided to include a question about the impact of 9/11 on their lives. We asked: “How has the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 affected your position as an immigrant in the United States?” This article analyzes the responses to this question, looking at similarities and differences across different immigrant populations. It also addresses the broader issue of how 9/11 has affected both immigration policy and attitudes toward the foreign-born in the United States. 

scholarly journals Current knowledge of Chagas-related heart disease among pediatric cardiologists in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanchi Malhotra ◽  
Imran Masood ◽  
Noberto Giglio ◽  
Jay D. Pruetz ◽  
Pia S. Pannaraj
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cardiac Complications ◽  
The U.S

Abstract Background Chagas disease is a pathogenic parasitic infection with approximately 8 million cases worldwide and greater than 300,000 cases in the United States (U.S.). Chagas disease can lead to chronic cardiomyopathy and cardiac complications, with variable cardiac presentations in pediatrics making it difficult to recognize. The purpose of our study is to better understand current knowledge and experience with Chagas related heart disease among pediatric cardiologists in the U.S. Methods We prospectively disseminated a 19-question survey to pediatric cardiologists via 3 pediatric cardiology listservs. The survey included questions about demographics, Chagas disease presentation and experience. Results Of 139 responses, 119 cardiologists treat pediatric patients in the U.S. and were included. Most providers (87%) had not seen a case of Chagas disease in their practice; however, 72% also had never tested for it. The majority of knowledge-based questions about Chagas disease cardiac presentations were answered incorrectly, and 85% of providers expressed discomfort with recognizing cardiac presentations in children. Most respondents selected that they would not include Chagas disease on their differential diagnosis for presentations such as conduction anomalies, myocarditis and/or apical aneurysms, but would be more likely to include it if found in a Latin American immigrant. Of respondents, 87% agreed that they would be likely to attend a Chagas disease-related lecture. Conclusions Pediatric cardiologists in the U.S. have seen very few cases of Chagas disease, albeit most have not sent testing or included it in their differential diagnosis. Most individuals agreed that education on Chagas disease would be worth-while.

scholarly journals Age-Related Chronic Diseases and Alzheimer’s Disease in Texas: A Hispanic Focused Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-133
Author(s):  
Shyam Sheladia ◽  
P. Hemachandra Reddy
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Hispanic Americans ◽  
The United States ◽  
Modifiable Risk Factors ◽  
American Population ◽  
Hispanic American ◽  
West Texas ◽  
Age Related

The emergence of age-related chronic diseases within the United States has led to the direct increase of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as well as other neurological diseases which ultimately contribute to the development of dementia within the general population. To be specific, age-related chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and kidney disease contribute greatly to the advancement and rapid progression of dementia. Furthermore, unmodifiable risk factors such as advancing age and genetics as well as modifiable risk factors such as socioeconomic status, educational attainment, exercise, and diet further contribute to the development of dementia. Current statistics and research show that minority populations such as Hispanic Americans in the United States face the greatest burden of dementia due to the increase in the prevalence of overall population age, predisposing genetics, age-related chronic diseases, low socioeconomic status, as well as poor lifestyle choices and habits. Additionally, Hispanic Americans living within Texas and the rural areas of West Texas face the added challenge of finding appropriate healthcare services. This article will focus upon the research associated with AD as well as the prevalence of AD within the Hispanic American population of Texas and rural West Texas. Furthermore, this article will also discuss the prevalence of age-related chronic diseases, unmodifiable risk factors, and modifiable risk factors which lead to the progression and development of AD within the Hispanic American population of the United States, Texas, and rural West Texas.

scholarly journals 1665. Using Electronic Health Records to Describe TB in Community Health Settings: a Cohort Analysis in a Large Safety-Net Population

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S819-S820
Author(s):  
Jonathan Todd ◽  
Jon Puro ◽  
Matthew Jones ◽  
Jee Oakley ◽  
Laura A Vonnahme ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Electronic Health Records ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
The United States ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Health Records ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Data Source ◽  
Electronic Health

Abstract Background Over 80% of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the United States are attributed to reactivation of latent TB infection (LTBI). Eliminating TB in the United States requires expanding identification and treatment of LTBI. Centralized electronic health records (EHRs) are an unexplored data source to identify persons with LTBI. We explored EHR data to evaluate TB and LTBI screening and diagnoses within OCHIN, Inc., a U.S. practice-based research network with a high proportion of Federally Qualified Health Centers. Methods From the EHRs of patients who had an encounter at an OCHIN member clinic between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2016, we extracted demographic variables, TB risk factors, TB screening tests, International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 9 and 10 codes, and treatment regimens. Based on test results, ICD codes, and treatment regimens, we developed a novel algorithm to classify patient records into LTBI categories: definite, probable or possible. We used multivariable logistic regression, with a referent group of all cohort patients not classified as having LTBI or TB, to identify associations between TB risk factors and LTBI. Results Among 2,190,686 patients, 6.9% (n=151,195) had a TB screening test; among those, 8% tested positive. Non-U.S. –born or non-English–speaking persons comprised 24% of our cohort; 11% were tested for TB infection, and 14% had a positive test. Risk factors in the multivariable model significantly associated with being classified as having LTBI included preferring non-English language (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.09–4.32); non-Hispanic Asian (aOR 5.17, 95% CI 4.94–5.40), non-Hispanic black (aOR 3.02, 95% CI 2.91–3.13), or Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander (aOR 3.35, 95% CI 2.92–3.84) race; and HIV infection (aOR 3.09, 95% CI 2.84–3.35). Conclusion This study demonstrates the utility of EHR data for understanding TB screening practices and as an important data source that can be used to enhance public health surveillance of LTBI prevalence. Increasing screening among high-risk populations remains an important step toward eliminating TB in the United States. These results underscore the importance of offering TB screening in non-U.S.–born populations. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals A scoping review of female drowning: an underexplored issue in five high-income countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kym Roberts ◽  
Ogilvie Thom ◽  
Susan Devine ◽  
Peter A. Leggat ◽  
Amy E. Peden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
The United States ◽  
Clinical Treatment ◽  
High Income ◽  
Public Health Issue

Abstract Background Drowning is a significant public health issue, with females accounting for one third of global drowning deaths. The rate of female drowning has not decreased within high-income countries and presentations to hospital have increased. This scoping review aimed to explore adult female unintentional drowning, including risk factors, clinical treatment and outcomes of females hospitalised for drowning. Methods A systematic search of the literature following the PRISMA-ScR framework was undertaken. The databases OVID MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, OVID Emcare, Web of Science, Informit and Scopus were accessed. Study locations of focus were Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Studies from January 2003 to April 2019 were included. The quality of evidence of included studies was assessed using GRADE guidelines. Results The final search results included 14 studies from Australia (n = 4), Canada (n = 1), New Zealand (n = 1), United States (n = 6), United Kingdom (n = 1), and one study reporting data from both Australia and United States. Nine studies reported risk factors for female drowning including age, with the proportion of female drowning incidence increasing with age. Although females are now engaging in risk-taking behaviours associated with drowning that are similar to males, such as consuming alcohol and swimming in unsafe locations, their exposure to risky situations and ways they assess risk, differ. Females are more likely to drown from accidental entry into water, such as in a vehicle during a flood or fall into water. This review found no evidence on the clinical treatment provided to females in hospital after a drowning incident, and only a small number of studies reported the clinical outcomes of females, with inconsistent results (some studies reported better and some no difference in clinical outcomes among females). Conclusion Adult females are a group vulnerable to drowning, that have lacked attention. There was no single study found which focused solely on female drowning. There is a need for further research to explore female risk factors, the clinical treatment and outcomes of females hospitalised for drowning. This will not only save the lives of females, but also contribute to an overall reduction in drowning.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Correlates of Intestinal Parasites among Patients Admitted to Mirembe National Mental Health Hospital, Dodoma, Tanzania

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azan A. Nyundo ◽  
David Z. Munisi ◽  
Ainory P. Gesase
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽  
Psychiatric Facility ◽  
Concentration Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stool Samples

Background. Neglected tropical diseases continue to be one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Psychiatric patients are among groups at risk for parasitic infection although control and monitoring programs largely overlook this population. This study aimed at determining prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infection among patients admitted to a psychiatric facility.Method. The study followed cross-sectional design; all the residing patients that met the inclusion criteria were included in the survey. Stool samples were collected and examined by direct wet preparation and formol-ether concentration. Data were analyzed with STATA version 12.1; Chi-square test was computed to determine the level of significance atpvalue < 0.05.Results.Of all 233 patients who returned the stool samples, 29 (12.45%) screened were positive for an intestinal parasite. There was no significant association between parasite carriage and age, sex, or duration of hospital stay.Conclusion. The study shows that intestinal parasitic infection is common among patients in a psychiatric facility and highlights that parasitic infections that enter through skin penetration may be a more common mode of transmission than the oral route. Furthermore, the study underscores the need for surveillance and intervention programs to control and manage these infections.

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