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Strongyloides Seropositivity Among Children Utilizing a Mobile Clinic
Lynda Aririguzo1, Aditi Gupta1, Norma Castillo1
1Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Insights
This study investigated strongyloidiasis prevalence in foreign-born children using mobile clinics. While seropositivity was low, the findings suggest mobile clinics can aid in developing guidelines for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Health
- Global Health
Background:
- Strongyloidiasis screening is recommended for foreign-born children, but prevalence data is lacking.
- Healthcare providers face challenges implementing these screening recommendations.
- Mobile clinics offer a potential setting for studying this neglected tropical disease in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seropositivity of Strongyloides infection in pediatric patients seen at a mobile clinic.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with Strongyloides infection in this population.
- To assess the feasibility of conducting prevalence studies in mobile clinic settings.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving pediatric patients at a mobile clinic.
- Data collection included surveys on demographics and medical history, alongside blood tests for absolute eosinophil count (AEC) and Strongyloides IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Participants were primarily foreign-born Hispanic children who recently arrived in the US.
Main Results:
- A low prevalence of Strongyloides seropositivity (1.9% positive, 1.5% equivocal) was observed among 206 pediatric patients.
- Peripheral eosinophilia (AEC) was present in 13% of participants.
- No significant associations were found between Strongyloides seropositivity and AEC, reported exposures, symptoms, or medical history.
Conclusions:
- Mobile clinics are a viable setting for conducting prevalence studies of strongyloidiasis among foreign-born children.
- The findings highlight the need for further research to establish effective screening guidelines for healthcare providers.
- Despite low observed seropositivity, continued vigilance and research are crucial for managing strongyloidiasis in pediatric immigrant populations.
Abstract:
Experts recommend screening for or presumptively treating strongyloidiasis in foreign-born immigrant children, though prevalence is unknown. Health care providers encounter barriers to following this recommendation. We aimed to describe Strongyloides seropositivity and risk factors among pediatric patients on a mobile clinic. Participants completed a written survey and provided blood for absolute eosinophil count (AEC) and Strongyloides IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). From October 2022 to June 2023, 206 patients participated; 201 (97.6%) were born outside the United States; 97.1% (n = 200) were Hispanic. Most (68.9%) arrived less than 1 year before study enrollment. Four (1.9%) and 3 (1.5%) had positive and equivocal ELISA results, respectively. Peripheral eosinophilia was seen in 27 participants (13%). Previous antiparasitic use was reported by 106 (51.5%). We found no significant associations between Strongyloides seropositivity and AEC, exposures, symptoms, or medical history. Mobile clinics can feasibly conduct strongyloidiasis prevalence studies to create guidelines for providers who see foreign-born immigrant children.
