Infections with long latency in international refugees, immigrants, and migrants seen at GeoSentinel sites, 2016–2018

Background: The continued increase in global migration compels clinicians to be aware of specific health problems faced by refugees, immigrants, and migrants (RIM). This analysis aimed to characterize RIM evaluated at GeoSentinel sites, their migration history, and infectious diseases detected through screening and diagnostic workups.

Methods: A case report form was used to collect data on demographics, migration route, infectious diseases screened, test results, and primary infectious disease diagnosis for RIM patients seen at GeoSentinel sites. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results: Between October 2016 and November 2018, 5319 RIM patients were evaluated at GeoSentinel sites in 19 countries. Africa was the region of birth for 2436 patients (46 %), followed by the Americas (1,644, 31 %), and Asia (1,098, 21 %). Tuberculosis (TB) was the most common infection screened and reported as positive (853/2,273, 38 % positive by any method). TB, strongyloidiasis, and hepatitis B surface antigen positivity were observed across all migration administrative categories and regions of birth. Chagas disease was reported only among RIM patients from the Americas (393/394, 100 %) and schistosomiasis predominantly in those from Africa (480/510, 94 %). TB infection (694/5,319, 13 %) and Chagas disease (524/5,319, 10 %) were the leading primary infectious disease diagnoses.

Conclusions: Several infections of long latency (TB, hepatitis B, and strongyloidiasis) with potential for long-term sequelae were seen among RIM patients across all migration administrative categories and regions of origin. Obtaining detailed epidemiologic information from RIM patients is critical to optimize detection of diseases of individual and public health importance, particularly those with long latency periods.