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Neglected tropical diseases outside the tropics

Francesca F Norman1, Ana Pérez de Ayala, José-Antonio Pérez-Molina

  • 1Tropical Medicine Unit, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain. ffnorman@gmail.com

Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|July 30, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Imported neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are increasingly diagnosed in non-tropical regions. Immigrants and travelers are most affected, highlighting the need for awareness and control measures for these global health threats.

Area of Science:

  • Tropical medicine
  • Infectious diseases
  • Public health

Background:

  • Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) cause significant global morbidity and mortality.
  • Increased international travel and immigration lead to NTDs being diagnosed in non-endemic, western countries.
  • There is a lack of literature focusing on imported NTDs in non-tropical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the prevalence and patterns of imported neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in immigrants and travelers.
  • To identify the most common NTDs diagnosed in a Spanish Tropical Medicine Referral Unit.
  • To understand the origin and demographic groups most affected by imported NTDs.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 6168 patients diagnosed with core NTDs.
  • Data collected from a Tropical Medicine Referral Unit in Spain (April 1989-December 2007).
  • Analysis of patient origin or travel history to identify patterns of imported NTDs.

Main Results:

  • NTDs were more frequent in immigrants (2634), followed by VFR travelers (257) and other travelers (3277).
  • Common NTDs in immigrants included onchocerciasis (Africa), Chagas disease (South America), and ascariasis (Africa).
  • Schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, and ascariasis were most frequent in travelers, primarily acquired in sub-Saharan Africa.

Conclusions:

  • Imported NTDs are gaining public health significance.
  • The study addresses non-vectorial transmission and the impact of eradication programs on non-tropical countries.
  • Recognizing imported NTDs is crucial for implementing prevention, control, and research opportunities outside endemic areas.

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