Long-term follow-up of schistosomiasis serology post-treatment in Australian travelers and immigrants

Michelle Yong, Carolyn L Beckett, Karin Sharona Leder, Beverley-Ann Biggs, Joseph Torresi, Daniel O'Brien

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27 Citations (Scopus)

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)89 - 93
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Travel Medicine
Volume17
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 2010

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