Strongyloides Seropositivity Among Children Utilizing a Mobile Clinic

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.