Schistosomiasis in Australian travellers to Africa

Abstract

Objective: To determine the proportion of Australian travellers to Africa at risk of Schistosoma infection, and the proportion of those infected. Design and Participants: Retrospective postal survey of 360 patients who had attended Fairfield Hospital travel clinic in 1994 and Stated an intention to travel to Malawi, Zimbabwe or Botswana. Main Outcome Measures: Self-reported risk status for Schistosoma infection. For those at risk, results of an indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA). For those with IHA titres ≤ 1:32, results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, urine microscopy and eosinophil count. Results: 360 letters were sent; 35 were returned to sender. Of the 325 remaining, 250 (77%) ..