Strongyloidiasis in Latin American immigrants: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The United States has a large immigrant population, with over half originating from Latin American countries where intestinal parasites are common.
• Strongyloidiasis, a potentially fatal parasitic infection, poses a significant health concern in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the seroprevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection among foreign-born individuals in Washington, DC.
• To investigate the potential for polyparasitism in individuals identified as positive for S. stercoralis.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted using an NIE-ELISA IgG antibody assay to detect S. stercoralis infection.
• Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed on stool samples from NIE-ELISA-positive participants to identify co-infections.

Main Results:

• The NIE-ELISA assay revealed a 4.2% prevalence of S. stercoralis infection in the study group of 119 volunteers.
• The combined use of NIE-ELISA and qPCR identified a 5.0% overall parasite prevalence, indicating potential co-infections.

Conclusions:

• The findings emphasize the importance of systematic screening for gastrointestinal parasites in individuals from parasite-endemic regions.
• The study advocates for a broader survey in the USA to assess the risk of strongyloidiasis and other parasitic infections among immigrants.