High Prevalence of Parasitic Infections Among Recent Immigrants in Chicago. (4th October 2017) - Herrick, Jesica
Abstract: Background: Extensive testing for infectious diseases is typically performed on refugees, but these tests are not provided to immigrants who often share similar risk factors. In 2015, approximately 42.1 million persons living in the United States were immigrants, many of whom migrated from countries where parasitic infections are highly prevalent. Methods: We recruited 133 asymptomatic recent immigrants into a cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of parasitic infections in this population. Participants were asked a symptom questionnaire and provided stool samples for Ova & Parasite (O&P) exam and blood samples for eosinophil count and Immunoglobulin E (IgE) level; samples were also tested for parasite-specific serologies. Results: Enrolled subjects had a mean age of 32.1 years (SD 17.3) and 73 of the 133 subjects were female (54.9%). Subjects had immigrated primarily from Mexico (29/133, 21.8%), India (25/133, 18.8%), other Asian countries (33/133, 24.8%), and Central and South America (26/133, 19.5%). Twenty of 133 subjects (15%) tested positive for a parasitic infection. Subjects underwent serologic testing based on their reported country of origin. The most commonly identified infections were: Blastocystis hominis (9/119 samples tested, 7.6%), followed by Toxocara (6/73, 8.2%), schistosomiasis (5/73, 6.8%), strongyloidiasis (3/73, 4.1%), and Chagas disease (1/73, 1.4%). Among 133 subjects, 29 (21.8%) were found to have an elevated IgE level (GM value of those with elevated IgE: 435.3 IU/ml), while 12/133 (9%) had an elevated absolute eosinophil count (AEC). There was no difference in gender ( P = 0.63) or recency of immigration ( P = 0.23) between those with and without parasitic infections. IgE was significantly higher in those with a parasitic infection (GM 136.7 IU/ml) compared with those without (GM 65.53 IU/ml, P = 0.03), but mean AEC was not significantly different between the groups ( P = 0.69). None of the reported symptoms, including itching, hives, rash, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or wheezing were increased in those with a parasitic infection (all P -values >0.05). Conclusion: Based on our preliminary data, parasitic infections likely represent a large and as-yet-unidentified burden of disease in the immigrant population. Immigrants may therefore benefit from health screenings as are provided to refugees. Disclosures: All authors: No reported disclosures.