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Updated: May 30, 2026
09:07
Direct Microbial Identification using An Automated Microbial Identification System to Facilitate the EUCAST RAST Method Without Mass Spectrometry
Published on: May 24, 2024
Travel-related imported infections in Europe, EuroTravNet 2009
S Odolini1, P Parola, E Gkrania-Klotsas
1Institute for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
Summary
Travelers brought more respiratory and vector-borne diseases, like dengue and A(H1N1) influenza, to Europe in 2009 compared to 2008. This highlights risks for emerging infectious diseases in Europe.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Travel-associated morbidity is a growing concern for public health.
- Emerging infectious diseases pose a potential risk for introduction into Europe.
- Understanding trends in travel-related illnesses is crucial for prevention and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare travel-associated morbidity in European travelers in 2009 versus 2008.
- To identify emerging infectious diseases with potential for introduction into Europe.
- To analyze predictors of disease in ill returning travelers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of diagnoses from ill returning travelers presenting to 12 EuroTravNet core sites.
- Comparison of data from January to December 2009 with data from 2008.
- Inclusion of demographic, clinical, and travel-related predictors of disease.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in travel-related respiratory illnesses, including pandemic A(H1N1) influenza and tuberculosis.
- A significant rise in reported dengue fever cases (2.7% in 2009 vs. 1.90% in 2008).
- Increased, though not statistically significant, numbers of malaria and chikungunya cases.
Conclusions:
- A notable increase in travel-related respiratory and vector-borne infections was observed in 2009 compared to 2008.
- These findings highlight the risk of introducing infectious diseases into Europe.
- Travelers may play a role in the emergence of public health-significant infectious diseases.
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