Parasitic Infections in Internationally Adopted Children: A Twelve-Year Retrospective Study

Overview

Journal Pathogens

Date 2022 Mar 26

PMID 35335678

Authors

Elena Chiappini

Teresa Paba

Matilde Bestetti

Luisa Galli

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Parasitic infections (PIs) are among the most frequent infectious diseases globally. Previous studies reported discrepant results regarding the prevalence of PIs in internationally adopted children (IAC). Data from IAC referred to our paediatric university hospital in 2009-2021 were collected to evaluate the frequency of PIs by the use of stool microscopic examination, antigen assays for and , and serological tests for , , , spp., , and . Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors for PIs and eosinophilia. The proportion of IAC with at least one positive test was 26.83% (640/2385); 2.13% ( = 51) had positive tests for 2 or 3 parasites. A positive assay for helminthic infection was retrieved in 11.07% of children ( = 264), and 17.86% ( = 426) presented with eosinophilia. The most common positive tests were anti- antibodies ( = 312; 13.8%), followed by positive stool antigen for ( = 290; 12.16%) and positive microscopic stool examination for ( = 76; 3.19%). A statistically significant association was found between PIs and region of origin (children from Latin America and Africa were more likely to present PIs than children from Eastern Europe), age 5-14 years, and eosinophilia. No significant association was observed between PIs and gender, vitamin D deficiency, or anemia. In conclusion, PIs are relevant in IAC and an accurate protocol is needed to evaluate IAC once they arrive in their adoptive country.

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