An Update on the Epidemiological Features of Imported Schistosomiasis and Cystic Echinococcosis in Kuwait, 2010-2018

Objective: Kuwait is considered a non-endemic country for most parasitic infections. However, ~70% of 4.7 million residents in Kuwait are expatriates from Asian and African countries which are endemic for parasitic infections. Results of microbiological investigations for schistosomiasis and cystic echinococcosis performed in a reference national laboratory were retrospectively collected and analyzed to provide an insight on the epidemiology of these two neglected tropical diseases in Kuwait. Subjects and Methods: Schistosoma infection in fecal and urine specimens from suspected patients was detected by microscopy. Schistosoma and CE infections were also detected by indirect hemagglutination assays using blood specimens. Patients ’ epidemiological data were extracted from the laboratory records. Results: The overall prevalence rates of schistosomiasis and CE were 19.0% and 5.8%, respectively. Almost all schistosomiasis cases were seen among Egyptians, especially among males, and a significantly higher prevalence (P
Source: Medical Principles and Practice - Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research