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[Incidence of intestinal pathogens in asylum applicants]
1Landeshygieneinstitut Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Schwerin.
Unlabelled:
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern the Provincial Government has decreed that the laboratory diagnostic examination of applicants for asylum is limited to Salmonella and Shigella. A comprehensive bacteriological and parasitological investigation of 517 applicants for asylum showed a wide pattern of intestinal pathogens. 123 person (23.79%) were infected with pathogenic or facultative pathogenic agents. Regional differences of the extent of distribution and the risks of infestation with pathogens by importation are discussed.
Conclusion:
Limitation of obligatory microbiologic examination to Salmonella and Shigella only is insufficient.
Insights
Laboratory testing for asylum seekers in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, limited to Salmonella and Shigella, is insufficient. A study found over 23% of applicants carried other intestinal pathogens, highlighting the need for broader screening.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's provincial government mandated limited laboratory diagnostic examinations for asylum seekers, focusing solely on Salmonella and Shigella.
- A significant number of asylum seekers may harbor intestinal pathogens not covered by the current limited screening protocols.
Purpose:
- To assess the prevalence of intestinal pathogens among asylum seekers in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
- To evaluate the adequacy of the current limited laboratory diagnostic examination policy for asylum seekers.
Summary:
- A comprehensive bacteriological and parasitological investigation was conducted on 517 asylum seekers.
- 123 individuals (23.79%) were found to be infected with pathogenic or facultative pathogenic agents, indicating a wide pattern of intestinal pathogens.
- Regional differences in pathogen distribution and importation risks were discussed.
Impact:
- The findings suggest that the current limitation of obligatory microbiologic examination to only Salmonella and Shigella is insufficient for comprehensive public health surveillance.
- Broader diagnostic approaches are necessary to accurately identify and manage infectious disease risks within the asylum seeker population.
- This study underscores the importance of inclusive screening protocols to prevent the importation and spread of various intestinal pathogens.