1137. Implementation of Universal Screening for Strongyloidiasis Among Solid-Organ and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Candidates in a Non-endemic Area

Abstract

BackgroundStrongyloidiasis can lead to hyperinfection and dissemination after transplantation with significant morbidity and mortality. Treatment for Strongyloidiasis prior to transplantation can reduce the risk of disseminated infection. Targeted screening based on travel history and country of origin incompletely identifies at-risk patients. Data on universal screening prior to solid-organ (SOT) or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are limited. We implemented universal serology-based screening for strongyloides at our transplant center, located in a metropolitan non-ndemic area.MethodsWe identified patients screened with serum Strongyloides IgG by ELISA during pre-transplant evaluation for SOT or HSCT from August 1, 2017 to April 25, 2018. We reviewed adherence to the screening recommendation by program type and the medical record of seropositive patients for country of origin, history of eosinophilia (>500 cell/μL), Gram-negative bacteremia, ova and parasite (O&P) examination and treatment.ResultsA total of 812 patients were evaluated for transplant during the study period: 484 for kidney, 152 for liver, 12 for liver/kidney transplant, 40 for heart, 24 for lung, and 100 for HSCT. 201 (24.7%) of the 812 patients were screened for Strongyloides; 107 (17%) evaluated for abdominal transplant, 32 (50%) for thoracic transplant, and 62 (60%) for HSCT. Seventeen (8.4%) of 201 patients screened tested positive: nine evaluated for kidney transplant, four for heart, one for liver, and three for HSCT. Nine of 17 patients (53%) were treated with Ivermectin or referred to Infectious Diseases clinic prior to our review. Ten (59%) seropositive patients were from the United States and 70% had no documented travel to endemic areas; six patients were from countries other than the United States; and one from Puerto Rico. Two patients with Strongyloidiasis had eosinophilia, one had history of Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia and one had stool O&P examination. Screening was higher when using an electronic order set (57% vs. 17%).ConclusionUniversal screening for Strongyloidiasis identified individuals with latent infection who did not have epidemiological or clinical findings suggestive of Strongyloidiasis. Screening for Strongyloidiasis was higher in transplant programs that incorporated the recommendation into an electronic order set.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.