Schistosoma and Strongyloides screening in migrants initiating HIV Care in Canada: a cross sectional study
Abstract
Following migration from Schistosoma and Strongyloides endemic to non-endemic regions (i.e. Canada), people remain at high risk for complications from these chronic infections. HIV co-infected persons are particularly vulnerable to the serious and potentially fatal consequences of untreated helminth infection. While general screening guidelines exist for parasitic infection screening in immigrant populations, they remain silent on HIV positive populations. This study assessed the seroprevalence, epidemiology and laboratory characteristics of these two parasitic infections in a non-endemic setting in an immigrant/refugee HIV positive community. We argue that routine parasite screening should be included as part of standard HIV care in non-endemic areas.
Notes
Location
Southern Alberta
Key recommendations
Routine parasite screening should be included as part of standard HIV care in non-endemic areas (i.e. Canada)
Key populations
HIV positive individuals born outside of Canada (immigrants and refugees)
Key findings
Positive Schistosoma and Strongyloides serology was common in this migrant HIV positive population receiving HIV care in Southern Alberta; This supports the value of routine parasite screening as part of standard HIV care in non-endemic areas
Gaps identified
Parasite screening for Schistosoma and Strongyloides is not a standard part of HIV care
Community organizations
NA
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
NA
Open-access – Yes
https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-020-4779-4