Abstract
Parasitic infections (PIs) are among the most frequent infectious diseases globally. Previous studies reported discrepant results regarding the prevalence of PIs in internationally adopted children (IAC). Data from IAC referred to our paediatric university hospital in 2009–2021 were collected to evaluate the frequency of PIs by the use of stool microscopic examination, antigen assays for Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum, and serological tests for Toxocara canis, Strongyloides stercoralis, Schistosoma mansoni, Echinococcus spp., Taenia solium, and Trypanosoma cruzi. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors for PIs and eosinophilia. The proportion of IAC with at least one positive test was 26.83% (640/2385); 2.13% (n = 51) had positive tests for 2 or 3 parasites. A positive assay for helminthic infection was retrieved in 11.07% of children (n = 264), and 17.86% (n = 426) presented with eosinophilia. The most common positive tests were anti-Toxocara canis antibodies (n = 312; 13.8%), followed by positive stool antigen for Giardia lamblia (n = 290; 12.16%), and positive microscopic stool examination for Blastocystis hominis (n = 76; 3.19%). A statistically significant association was found between PIs and region of origin (children from Latin America and Africa were more likely to present PIs than children from Eastern Europe), age 5–14 years, and eosinophilia. No significant association was observed between PIs and gender, vitamin D deficiency, or anemia. In conclusion, PIs are relevant in IAC and an accurate protocol is needed to evaluate IAC once they arrive in their adoptive country.
Highlights
IntroductionParasitic infections (PIs) are among the most frequent infectious diseases globally [1]
Parasitic infections (PIs) are among the most frequent infectious diseases globally [1].These ‘neglected tropical diseases’ generally harbour deplorable hygienic conditions and unfavourable social and climatic conditions [1,2]
We previously reported that PIs are the most frequent infectious diseases diagnosed in internationally adopted children (IAC), followed by skin infections and latent or active tuberculosis [12,13]
Summary
Parasitic infections (PIs) are among the most frequent infectious diseases globally [1]. These ‘neglected tropical diseases’ generally harbour deplorable hygienic conditions and unfavourable social and climatic conditions [1,2]. Internationally adopted children (IAC) are a population that is often hit by this spectrum of conditions and, must be carefully assessed. The characteristics of the population of IAC are difficult to define: extraordinarily diverse and heterogeneous, often coming from deprived contexts and countries where several infections are endemic [4]. It is crucial to assess the health state of IAC once they arrive in their adoptive country. They have often lived in orphanages or other centres that can increase the risk of infectious diseases [5,6]. It is important to diagnose possible morbidities, infectious and not, that can seriously impact the child’s health [7,8]
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