Abstract
Background. We undertook an observational follow-up study of schistosomiasis serology in both travelers and immigrants in a nonendemic country to determine the natural history of schistosomiasis antibody titer post-adequate treatment in those who have not been re-exposed. Methods. Longitudinal study of all adult travelers and immigrants presenting to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia with
positive schistosomiasis serology (titer >1:64) between July 1995 and December 2005. All patients were treated with praziquantel and followed up clinically and serologically for a period up to 30 months. Results. A total of 58 patients were included in the study including 26 travelers and 32 immigrants. Antibody titers often increased in the first 6 to 12 months post-treatment, especially in immigrants. After 30 months of post-treatment, 68 of travelers and 35 of immigrants (p <0.01) achieved a fourfold antibody decline. Conclusions. Schistosomiasis antibody titers varied after adequate treatment. Therefore an increase in titer in the first 6 to 12 months or a failure to reduce after 3 years should not automatically justify re-treatment.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 89 - 93 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Travel Medicine |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - 2010 |