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[Acute schistosomiasis in French travellers].
C-A Agbessi1, N Bourvis, M Fromentin
1Service de médecine interne, hôpital Ambroise-Paré, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|July 11, 2006
Summary
Acute schistosomiasis in French travelers often presents with non-specific symptoms like fever and diarrhea. Early diagnosis is crucial, as many cases are asymptomatic or mild, potentially leading to chronic schistosomiasis.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Infectious diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Clinical presentation of acute schistosomiasis differs significantly from chronic forms.
- Travelers returning from endemic areas may present with unique clinical and biological characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and biological features of acute schistosomiasis in French travelers.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and potential for delayed diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study analyzing questionnaires from 42 hospital laboratories in France.
- Data collected on schistosomiasis cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2004 in non-indigenous individuals returning from Africa.
Main Results:
- 77 cases of acute schistosomiasis reported, with a mean age of 26; 60% acquired in West Africa.
- Common symptoms included fever (44%), diarrhea (40%), pruritus (25%), cough (21%), and hematuria (20%).
- Hypereosinophilia (82%), elevated liver enzymes (23%), and positive serology (90%) were frequent; ova detected in 60%.
Conclusions:
- Acute schistosomiasis should be suspected in travelers with non-specific symptoms, even after brief water contact.
- Asymptomatic or mild cases risk delayed diagnosis and progression to chronic schistosomiasis.
- Increased tourism necessitates active surveillance for acute schistosomiasis.