Strongyloidiasis in personnel of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI)

Pattison, David A., and Speare, Richard (2008) Strongyloidiasis in personnel of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). Medical Journal of Australia, 189 (4). pp. 203-206.

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Abstract

Objective: to investigate the first reported cases of strongyloidiasis in the Solomon Islands, and to establish whether this disease poses a risk to personnel of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). Design, setting and participants: Retrospective review of the pathology database of the RAMSI Medical Facility in Honiara, Solomon Islands, for the period 1 July 2006 – 30 September 2007.

Main outcome measures: number and clinical features of confirmed cases of Strongyloides stercoralis infestation, as diagnosed by serological tests or faecal microscopy.

Results: fourteen confirmed cases of strongyloidiasis in previously healthy RAMSI participants were identified. Of 13 patients with notes available, symptoms documented at presentation included epigastric pain (10 patients), diarrhoea (7) and urticaria (4). Clinical disease in all patients responded to oral antihelminthic therapy (albendazole or ivermectin).

Conclusions: Strongyloidiasis is endemic in the Solomon Islands and a risk for RAMSI personnel. Australian medical professionals should be aware of this potentially fatal and lifelong infestation, particularly the importance of an occupation history, appropriate diagnostic tests, effective treatment and adequate follow-up to document cure. We recommend implementation of a postdeployment screening program for strongyloidiasis.

Item ID: 6887
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1326-5377
Keywords: Strongyloidiasis; Strongyloides stercoralis; travel health; soil transmitted helminth
Additional Information:

Reproduced with permission from Medical Journal of Australia.

Date Deposited: 16 Feb 2010 23:41
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1103 Clinical Sciences > 110309 Infectious Diseases @ 100%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9201 Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions) > 920109 Infectious Diseases @ 80%
92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920499 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) not elsewhere classified @ 20%
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