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Background: European travellers to endemic countries are at risk of malaria and may be affected by a different range of co-morbidities than natives of endemic regions. The safety profile, especially cardiac issues, of artenimol (previously dihydroartemisinin)–piperaquine (APQ) Eurartesim® during treatment of uncomplicated imported falciparum malaria is not adequately described due to the lack of longitudinal studies in this population. The present study was conducted to partially fill this gap. Methods: Participants were recruited through Health Care Provider’s safety registry in 15 centres across 6 European countries in the period 2013–2016. Adverse events (AE) were collected, with a special focus on cardiovascular safety by including electrocardiogram QT intervals evaluated after correction with either Bazett’s (QTcB) or Fridericia’s (QTcF) methods, at baseline and after treatment. QTcB and/or QTcF prolongation were defined by a value > 450 ms for males and children and > 470 ms for females. Results: Among 294 participants, 30.3% were women, 13.7% of Caucasian origin, 13.5% were current smoker, 13.6% current alcohol consumer and 42.2% declared at least one illness history. The mean (SD) age and body mass index were 39.8 years old (13.2) and 25.9 kg/m2 (4.7). Among them, 75 reported a total of 129 AE (27 serious), 46 being suspected to be related to APQ (11 serious) and mostly labelled as due to haematological, gastrointestinal, or infection. Women and Non-African participants had significantly (p < 0.05) more AEs. Among AEs, 21 were due to cardiotoxicity (7.1%), mostly QT prolongation, while 6 were due to neurotoxicity (2.0%), mostly dizziness. Using QTcF correction, QT prolongation was observed in 17/143 participants (11.9%), only 2 of them reporting QTcF > 500 ms (milliseconds) but no clinical symptoms. Using QTcB correction increases of > 60 ms were present in 9 participants (6.3%). A trend towards increased prolongation was observed in those over 65 years of age but only a few subjects were in this group. No new safety signal was reported. The overall efficacy rate was 255/257 (99.2%). Conclusions: APQ appears as an effective and well-tolerated drug for treatment of malaria in patients recruited in European countries. AEs and QT prolongation were in the range of those obtained in larger cohorts from endemic countries. Trial registration This study has been registered in EU Post-Authorization Studies Register as EUPAS6942, SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Additional file 2. Baseline biological results—safety registry of malaria patients treated with artenimol–piperaquine.

Additional file 1. Illnesses and symptoms at Visit 1 by System Organ Class and Preferred Term—safety registry of malaria patients treated with artenimol–piperaquine.

Additional file 5. Factors associated with the change in Alanine amino-transferase (ALAT), Aspartate amino-transferase (ASAT) and creatinin from baseline to the final treatment day.

Additional file 3. Overview of adverse events (AE) and serious adverse event (SAE) other than adverse event of special interest (AESI).

Additional file 4. Factors associated with the occurrence of adverse event (AE) including adverse event of special interest (AESI).

Background Extensive global experience shows that rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) through vaccination is effective and well tolerated, yet many travellers opt not to be vaccinated when travelling to rabies-endemic countries. Previous research has identified several factors influencing the choices travellers make to reduce the risk of rabies, including cost, time constraint and perspective on the importance of vaccination. The objectives of this study were to assess travellers' awareness of rabies and advice-seeking attitudes and to evaluate travel clinics practices regarding rabies pre-travel advice. Methods We surveyed individuals aged 18-65 years residing in the UK, Germany, Canada and Sweden who had travelled to rabies-endemic countries between 2013 and 2016 and defined this as the rabies visit-risk sample. The first 850 respondents from the visit-risk sample who had undertaken pre-defined at-risk activities (e.g. contact with animals during the trip) completed an additional 15-min online questionnaire and were included in the activity-risk subsample. We also interviewed travel clinic personnel using a 25-min online or phone questionnaire. Results The visit-risk sample included 4678 individuals. Many sought pre-travel health information online (33%) or talked to a family doctor (24%). Within the activity-risk subsample, 83% of travellers were aware of at least a few basic facts about rabies, and 84% could identify at least one correct rabies prevention measure; 49% were aware of a rabies vaccine, however, only 8% reported receiving PrEP vaccination within the past 3 years. Among 180 travel clinic respondents, 21% reported recommending PrEP against rabies to all travellers to rabies-endemic countries. Travel clinics estimated that 81% of travellers complete their travel vaccination schedules and reported sending reminders by e-mails (38%), text (38%), phone calls (37%) or by using vaccination cards (37%). Conclusions These findings suggest that although travellers had frequently heard of rabies, awareness of the risks of this serious infectious disease was relatively low. 5975671594001tay062media15975671594001.

Background In times of mass tourism, traveler's diarrhea is one of the most common health problems of long-distance travel. Globally, some 40 million cases occur annually. Travellers to risk areas should therefore be comprehensively advised beforehand, as to what action to take in case of an acute traveler's diarrhea and what drugs to add to their first-aid kit. To date none, or hardly any specific studies or valid specific guidelines for the treatment of traveler's diarrhea are available for Germany. Method Drafting a consensus paper based on results of a specialists' meeting to evaluate therapeutic options in the treatment of acute uncomplicated travelers' diarrhea. The foundation for the present consensus recommendations is current evidence on antidiarrheals available in Germany for symptomatic treatment of gastrointestinal infections, summarized in the S2k guideline for gastrointestinal infections and Whipple's disease. Further taken into account for the present consensus recommendations were Pubmed-listed publications on symptomatic treatment of traveler's diarrhea, practical aspects, and the experts' experience in travel medicine. Results and conclusion For the treatment of acute uncomplicated traveler's diarrhea - more than 90 % of all cases - the secretion inhibitor racecadotril is considered first choice, based on our evaluation criteria. The previously usual practice of recommending the antimotility drug loperamide as first choice should be reconsidered, in favor of the recent active ingredient racecadotril. Antibiotics should be used only in complicated cases. A large number of travelers who generally demand antibiotic therapy should be disabused of their expectations. Other therapeutic measures that are currently available for the treatment of acute diarrhea while traveling play a subordinate role.

The aim of this controlled cross-sectional study was to assess the clinical validity of elevated values of three clinically relevant transferase enzymes (aspartate transaminase [AST], alanine transaminase [ALT], and gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT]) induced by imported infectious diseases (IDs) seen among patients consulting the Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (from 1999 to 2014) after being in the sub-/tropics. Data sets of 14,559 diseased German travelers returning from Latin America (2,715), Africa (4,574), or Asia (7,270) and of 1,536 healthy controls of German origin without recent travels were analyzed. Among the cases, the proportions of those with elevated values of AST (7.8%) and of ALT (13.4%) were significantly larger than among controls (4.0% and 10.6%, respectively), whereas for GGT, no significant difference was found (cases: 10.0%; controls: 11.4%). The study identified IDs with significantly larger proportions of both AST and ALT (hepatitis A [100%/100%], cytomegalovirus [CMV] infection [77%/81%], chronic hepatitis C [67%/67%], infectious mononucleosis [65%/77%], typhoid fever [50%/50%], cyclosporiasis [45%/66%], dengue fever [43%/35%], malaria [20%/27%], and rickettsiosis [20%/24%]), of AST alone (paratyphoid fever [42%]), of ALT alone (giardiasis [20%]), and of GGT (hepatitis A [100%], infectious mononucleosis [71%], CMV infection [58%], rickettsiosis (20%], and dengue fever [19%]). The study demonstrates that the determination of AST and ALT among travelers returning from the sub-/tropics has a high clinical validity, as their elevated values are typically caused by several imported viral, bacterial, and protozoan IDs, whereas no additional clinical validity was found by the determination of GGT.

The aim of this study was to assess the spectrum of imported infectious diseases (IDs) among patients consulting the University of Munich, Germany, between 1999 and 2014 after being in the sub-/tropics. The analysis investigated complete data sets of 16,817 diseased German travelers (2,318 business travelers, 4,029 all-inclusive travelers, and 10,470 backpackers) returning from Latin America (3,225), Africa (4,865), or Asia (8,727), and 977 diseased immigrants, originating from the same regions (112, 654 and 211 respectively). The most frequent symptoms assessed were diarrhea (38%), fever (29%), and skin disorder (22%). The most frequent IDs detected were intestinal infections with species of Blastocystis (900), Giardia (730), Campylobacter (556), Shigella (209), and Salmonella (183). Also frequently observed were cutaneous larva migrans (379), dengue (257), and malaria (160). The number of IDs with significantly elevated proportions was higher among backpackers (18) and immigrants (17), especially among those from Africa (18) and Asia (17), whereas it was lower for business travelers (5), all-inclusive travelers (1), and those from Latin America (5). This study demonstrates a large spectrum of imported IDs among returning German travelers and immigrants, which varies greatly based not only on travel destination and origin of immigrants, but also on type of travel.

Febrile illnesses are common in travellers returning from south-east Asia. However, malaria is a rare diagnosis in this population. A series of Plasmodium knowlesi infections was noted in German travellers returning from Thailand since 2012. Infectious disease and tropical medicine facilities registered by the German Society for Tropical Medicine and International Health were contacted in March 2017, and asked to report previous P. knowlesi cases. In addition, surveillance data from the Robert Koch-Institute were analysed. The facilities reported a total of six P. knowlesi-positive cases, all were returning travellers from Thailand. The P. knowlesi-positive cases made up 6/9 of all diagnosed malaria cases imported from Thailand in the time period 2012 to 2017. In 4/5 of cases where a malaria rapid diagnostic test had been applied it revealed a negative result. P. knowlesi is an important differential diagnosis in travellers returning from south-east Asia with itineraries that include Thailand. This study highlights the importance of this Plasmodium species in this patient subgroup. Whenever malaria is suspected in a returning traveller from Thailand, P. knowlesi should be taken into consideration and a differential PCR be executed as currently the unequivocal diagnosis of P. knowlesi is based on nuclear amplification techniques.

Febrile illnesses are common in travellers returning from south-east Asia. However, malaria is a rare diagnosis in this population. A series of Plasmodium knowlesi infections was noted in German travellers returning from Thailand since 2012. Infectious disease and tropical medicine facilities registered by the German Society for Tropical Medicine and International Health were contacted in March 2017, and asked to report previous P. knowlesi cases. In addition, surveillance data from the Robert Koch-Institute were analysed. The facilities reported a total of six P. knowlesi-positive cases, all were returning travellers from Thailand. The P. knowlesi-positive cases made up 6/9 of all diagnosed malaria cases imported from Thailand in the time period 2012 to 2017. In 4/5 of cases where a malaria rapid diagnostic test had been applied it revealed a negative result. P. knowlesi is an important differential diagnosis in travellers returning from south-east Asia with itineraries that include Thailand. This study highlights the importance of this Plasmodium species in this patient subgroup. Whenever malaria is suspected in a returning traveller from Thailand, P. knowlesi should be taken into consideration and a differential PCR be executed as currently the unequivocal diagnosis of P. knowlesi is based on nuclear amplification techniques.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about the travel-associated risks of hepatitis A and B, and the extent of pre-travel health-advice being sought may vary between countries. METHODS: An online survey was undertaken to assess the awareness, advice-seeking behaviour, rates of vaccination against hepatitis A and B and adherence rates in Australia, Finland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, the UK and Canada between August and October 2014. Individuals aged 18-65 years were screened for eligibility based on: travel to hepatitis A and B endemic countries within the past 3 years, awareness of hepatitis A, and/or combined hepatitis A&B vaccines; awareness of their self-reported vaccination status and if vaccinated, vaccination within the last 3 years. Awareness and receipt of the vaccines, sources of advice, reasons for non-vaccination, adherence to recommended doses and the value of immunization reminders were analysed. RESULTS: Of 27 386 screened travellers, 19 817 (72%) were aware of monovalent hepatitis A or combined A&B vaccines. Of these 13 857 (70%) had sought advice from a healthcare provider (HCP) regarding combined hepatitis A&B or monovalent hepatitis A vaccination, and 9328 (67%) were vaccinated. Of 5225 individuals eligible for the main survey (recently vaccinated = 3576; unvaccinated = 1649), 27% (841/3111) and 37% (174/465) of vaccinated travellers had adhered to the 3-dose combined hepatitis A&B or 2-dose monovalent hepatitis A vaccination schedules, respectively. Of travellers partially vaccinated against combined hepatitis A&B or hepatitis A, 84% and 61%, respectively, believed that they had received the recommended number of doses. CONCLUSIONS: HCPs remain the main source of pre-travel health advice. The majority of travellers who received monovalent hepatitis A or combined hepatitis A&B vaccines did not complete the recommended course. These findings highlight the need for further training of HCPs and the provision of reminder services to improve traveller awareness and adherence to vaccination schedules.

Purpose. Up to 30% of international travelers are affected by travelers’ diarrhea (TD). Reliable data on the etiology of TD is lacking. Sufficient laboratory capacity at travel destinations is often unavailable and transporting conventional stool samples to the home country is inconvenient. We evaluated the use of Hemoccult cards for stool sampling combined with a multiplex PCR for the detection of model viral, bacterial, and protozoal TD pathogens.Methods. Following the creation of serial dilutions for each model pathogen, last positive dilution steps (LPDs) and thereof calculated last positive sample concentrations (LPCs) were compared between conventional stool samples and card samples. Furthermore, card samples were tested after a prolonged time interval simulating storage during a travel duration of up to 6 weeks.Results. The LPDs/LPCs were comparable to testing of conventional stool samples. After storage on Hemoccult cards, the recovery rate was 97.6% forC. jejuni, 100% forE.histolytica, 97.6% for norovirus GI, and 100% for GII. Detection of expected pathogens was possible at weekly intervals up to 42 days.Conclusion. Stool samples on Hemoccult cards stored at room temperature can be used in combination with a multiplex PCR as a reliable tool for testing of TD pathogens.

Background Extensive global experience shows that rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) through vaccination is effective and well tolerated, yet many travellers opt not to be vaccinated when travelling to rabies-endemic countries. Previous research has identified several factors influencing the choices travellers make to reduce the risk of rabies, including cost, time constraint and perspective on the importance of vaccination. The objectives of this study were to assess travellers’ awareness of rabies and advice-seeking attitudes and to evaluate travel clinics practices regarding rabies pre-travel advice. Methods We surveyed individuals aged 18–65 years residing in the UK, Germany, Canada and Sweden who had travelled to rabies-endemic countries between 2013 and 2016 and defined this as the rabies visit-risk sample. The first 850 respondents from the visit-risk sample who had undertaken pre-defined at-risk activities (e.g. contact with animals during the trip) completed an additional 15-min online questionnaire and were included in the activity-risk subsample. We also interviewed travel clinic personnel using a 25-min online or phone questionnaire. Results The visit-risk sample included 4678 individuals. Many sought pre-travel health information online (33%) or talked to a family doctor (24%). Within the activity-risk subsample, 83% of travellers were aware of at least a few basic facts about rabies, and 84% could identify at least one correct rabies prevention measure; 49% were aware of a rabies vaccine, however, only 8% reported receiving PrEP vaccination within the past 3 years. Among 180 travel clinic respondents, 21% reported recommending PrEP against rabies to all travellers to rabies-endemic countries. Travel clinics estimated that 81% of travellers complete their travel vaccination schedules and reported sending reminders by e-mails (38%), text (38%), phone calls (37%) or by using vaccination cards (37%). Conclusions These findings suggest that although travellers had frequently heard of rabies, awareness of the risks of this serious infectious disease was relatively low.

Die Bekampfung der Malaria ist auch immer ein Wettlauf gegen die Zeit. Resistenzen sind bisher gegen jedes breit eingesetzte Malariamittel aufgetreten. Sogar die hochpotenten, vielversprechenden Artemisinine laufen mittlerweile Gefahr, ihre Wirksamkeit zu verlieren. Darauf deutet eine verlangerte Parasiteneliminationszeit in vereinzelten Gebieten Sudostasiens hin. Die WHO empfiehlt, generell den Einsatz von Monotherapien zur Therapie der Malaria tropica zu unterlassen. Artemisininbasierte Kombinationspraparate (ACT) gelten weltweit als Mittel der Wahl. Der zusatzliche Einsatz von Medikamenten, welche die Transmission verhindern, soll speziell in Resistenzgebieten gefordert werden. Fur die Prophylaxe- und Notfallempfehlungen ergeben sich dennoch nur wenige Anderungen bezuglich der bekannten Praparate im Vergleich zu den Vorjahren. Die Empfehlung von Doxycyclin als Prophylaktikum gilt es zu erwahnen.

In times of mass tourism, traveler's diarrhea is one of the most common health problems of long-distance travel. Globally, some 40 million cases occur annually. Travellers to risk areas should therefore be comprehensively advised beforehand, as to what action to take in case of an acute traveler's diarrhea and what drugs to add to their first-aid kit. To date none, or hardly any specific studies or valid specific guidelines for the treatment of traveler's diarrhea are available for Germany.Drafting a consensus paper based on results of a specialists' meeting to evaluate therapeutic options in the treatment of acute uncomplicated travelers' diarrhea. The foundation for the present consensus recommendations is current evidence on antidiarrheals available in Germany for symptomatic treatment of gastrointestinal infections, summarized in the S2k guideline for gastrointestinal infections and Whipple's disease. Further taken into account for the present consensus recommendations were Pubmed-listed publications on symptomatic treatment of traveler's diarrhea, practical aspects, and the experts' experience in travel medicine.For the treatment of acute uncomplicated traveler's diarrhea - more than 90 % of all cases - the secretion inhibitor racecadotril is considered first choice, based on our evaluation criteria. The previously usual practice of recommending the antimotility drug loperamide as first choice should be reconsidered, in favor of the recent active ingredient racecadotril. Antibiotics should be used only in complicated cases. A large number of travelers who generally demand antibiotic therapy should be disabused of their expectations. Other therapeutic measures that are currently available for the treatment of acute diarrhea while traveling play a subordinate role.

Background The magnitude of the current Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic has led to a declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO. Findings of viable viral particles in semen for several weeks are corroborating reports of sexual transmission of ZIKV. Serious consequences of a positive diagnostic result particularly in the pregnant patient are calling for precise diagnostic tools also at later time points after infection. Currently, recommendations suggest a diagnostic period of direct viral detection of 5 to 7 days after onset of symptoms in serum or plasma, and up to 3 weeks in urine samples. Case presentation A vasectomized 41-year-old German returning from Martinique presented at the outpatient clinic of the Department for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Munich, with subfebrile temperature, rash, malaise, severe retro-orbital pain and occipital lymphadenopathy. The main complaints resolved after ten days without specific treatment. We are reporting on clinical course and results of direct and indirect detection methods of ZIKV in different sample types including whole blood, ejaculate, urine, serum, plasma and saliva samples up to 119 days post symptom onset. Ejaculate samples remained PCR positive for ZIKV until day 77, whole blood samples until day 101. Conclusions The case presentation adds to the still limited knowledge of kinetics of detection of ZIKV by direct as well as indirect methods. Here, a complete data set including results from PCR, serology and cell culture is provided allowing an improved evaluation of optimum diagnostic periods for testing a variety of sample types. Moreover, a high viral load of ZIKV RNA was detected in ejaculate of the vasectomized patient. This finding sheds new light on the possible localizations of ZIKV replication in the human male reproductive tract.

The present controlled cross-sectional study aimed to assess elevated values of C-reactive protein (CRP), a positive acute-phase protein, induced by imported infectious diseases (IDs) seen in patients consulting the University of Munich (1999-2015) after being in the tropics/subtropics. The analysis investigated data sets from 11,079 diseased German travelers (cases) returning from Latin America (1,986), Africa (3,387), and Asia (5,706), and from 714 healthy Germans who had not recently traveled (controls). The proportions of elevated values of CRP (> 0.5 mg/dL) were significantly larger among cases (44.3%) than among controls (20.7%). Among cases, this proportion was largest among males (49.2%) in comparison to females (39.9%), among travelers with short travel duration of 1-14 days (49.6%) in comparison to travelers with a travel duration of > 180 days (30.8%), and with travel destination in Africa (47.0%) in comparison to Asia (44.2%) and Latin America (39.9%), among all-inclusive travelers (47.4%) in comparison to business travelers (46.7%) and backpackers (44.1%), and among patients presenting with fever (70.9%) and arthralgia (54.3%). The study identified various imported IDs with significantly larger proportions of elevated values of CRP including viral (cytomegalovirus infection [94.7%], influenza [88.9%], infectious mononucleosis [71.8%]), bacterial (typhoid fever [100%], paratyphoid fever [92.9%], shigellosis [76.8%], rickettsiosis [74.2%], Salmonella enteritis [71.3%], Campylobacter infection [68.7%]), and protozoan (vivax malaria [100%], ovale malaria [100%], falciparum malaria [95.4%], noninvasive Entamoeba infection [65.9%]) IDs. This study demonstrates that elevated values of CRP can be a useful laboratory finding for travelers returning from the tropics/subtropics, as these findings are typically caused mainly by certain imported bacterial IDs, but also by viral and protozoan IDs.

Fernreisen in tropische Lander sind weiterhin sehr beliebt. Neben der Erweiterung des Erfahrungshorizonts besteht immer die Moglichkeit, wahrend der Reise Erkrankungen zu erwerben. Bei Reiseruckkehrern treten hauptsachlich Durchfall- und Hauterkrankungen, aber auch fieberhafte Allgemeinerkrankungen bis hin zu schwerwiegenden Infektionen wie Malaria, Typhus oder Dengue-Fieber auf. Eine nicht oder zu spat erkannte Infektion mit Malaria kann todlich verlaufen. Wichtig ist daher eine gute Reisevorbereitung einschlieslich einer ausfuhrlichen Malaria- und Impfberatung, um Reisende vor solchen Folgen einer Fernreise zu schutzen.

Background. About 50 million people travel each year from industrialized countries to destinations in the tropics and subtropics. Among them, there are more than 2 million minors traveling. Although their number is increasing constantly, data on health risks during travel are limited. Methods. This study analyzed demographic, travel, and clinical data of 890 travelers of age

International Reisende haben ein Risiko fur eine Vielzahl von Erkrankungen, die in Deutschland kaum oder gar nicht auftreten. Durch ein verandertes Verhalten wahrend der Reise besteht die Gefahr des Erwerbs von Infektionserkrankungen oder der Einnahme von toxischen Substanzen. Dabei kann es zu schweren Leberschadigungen kommen. Erkrankungen wie Malaria konnen unerkannt zum Tode fuhren. Bei Erkrankten mit Auftreten von Zeichen einer Leberschadigung sollten nach ihrer Ruckkehr neben den haufigen Ursachen auch seltene, tropenspezifische Erkrankungen berucksichtigt werden.

Summary Objective To evaluate the causes and risks for imported skin disorders among travellers. Methods Data of 34 162 travellers returning from tropical and non-tropical countries and presenting at the outpatient travel medicine clinic of the University of Munich, Germany, between 1999 and 2009 were analyzed for this study. Of these, 12.2% were diagnosed with skin disorders. Results Main destinations visited were Asia (40%), Africa (27%) and Latin America (21%). Tourism in the form of adventure travel/backpacking (47%) and package holidays (23%) was the most common purpose of travel. The leading causes of skin disorders were arthropodal (23%), bacterial (22%), helminthic (11%), protozoan (6%), viral (6%), allergic (5%) and fungal (4%). The 10 most frequently diagnosed specific skin diseases associated with specific destinations were insect bites (17%, Southern Europe), cutaneous larva migrans (8%, Asia and Latin America), cutaneous leishmaniasis (2.4%, Mediterranean Region/Middle East), dengue fever (1.5%, Asia), rickettsioses (1.3%, Southern Africa), myiasis (0.8%, Central America), filarioses (0.7%, Africa), tick bites (0.6%, Central/Eastern Europe), schistosomiasis (0.6%, Africa) and tungiasis (0.6%, Africa). Travellers in sub-Saharan Africa had the highest relative risk of acquiring skin disorders. Conclusion As more than 20% of all skin disorders among returned travellers were caused by arthropods and about 50% by infectious pathogens, pre-travel consultations should include specific prophylaxis and consider the most important risk factor for the travel destination. Objectif: Evaluer les causes et les risques pour les maladies de la peau importees par les voyageurs. Methodes: Les donnees de 34162 voyageurs revenant de pays tropicaux et non tropicaux et se presentant a la clinique de medecine ambulatoire du voyage de l’Universite de Munich, en Allemagne, entre 1999 et 2009, ont ete analysees. Parmi eux, 12,2% ont ete diagnostiques avec des affections cutanees. Resultats: Les principales destinations visitees etaient: Asie (40%), Afrique (27%) et Amerique latine (21%). Le tourisme sous forme de voyages d’aventure/randonnee (47%) et les voyages a forfait (23%) etaient l’objet le plus courant du voyage. Les principales causes des affections de la peau etaient: par des arthropodes (23%), bacteriennes (22%), helminthiques (11%), par des protozoaires (6%), virales (6%), allergiques (5%) et fongiques (4%). Les 10 maladies specifiques de peau les plus frequemment diagnostiquees et associees a des destinations specifiques etaient: piqures d’insectes (17%, Europe du Sud), larves cutanees migrantes (8%, Asie et Amerique latine), leishmaniose cutanee (2,4%, region Mediterranee/Moyen-Orient), fievre dengue (1,5%, Asie), rickettsioses (1,3%, Afrique australe), myiases (0,8%, Amerique centrale), filarioses (0,7%, Afrique), piqures de tiques (0,6%, Europe centrale/orientale), schistosomiase (0,6%, Afrique) et tungose (0,6%, Afrique). Les voyageurs vers l’Afrique subsaharienne avaient le plus grand risque relatif de contracter des affections cutanees. Conclusion: Comme plus de 20% de toutes les affections de la peau chez les voyageurs au retour etaient causees par des arthropodes et environ 50% par des agents pathogenes infectieux, les consultations pre-voyage devraient inclure une prophylaxie specifique et considerer le facteur de risque le plus important pour la destination du voyage. Objetivo: Evaluar las causas y los riesgos de desordenes cutaneos importados entre viajeros. Metodos: Se analizaron los datos de 34,162 viajeros regresando de paises tropicales y no tropicales, que consultaron la clinica de medicina del viajero de la Universidad de Munich, Alemania, entre 1999 y el 2009. De estos, un 12.2% fueron diagnosticados con desordenes cutaneos. Resultados: Las principales destinaciones visitadas eran Asia (40%), Africa (27%) y America Latina (21%). El turismo en la forma de viaje de aventura/en plan mochilero (47%) y los paquetes vacacionales (23%) eran las razones mas comunes de los viajes. Los principales causantes de los desordenes cutaneos eran los artropodos (23%), las bacterias (22%), los helmintos (11%), los protozoos (6%), los virus (6%), las alergias (5%), y los hongos (4%). Las 10 enfermedades cutaneas especificas mas frecuentemente diagnosticadas, asociadas con destinaciones especificas, eran las picadas de insecto (17%, sur de Europa), larva migrans cutanea (8%, Asia y Latinoamerica), leishmaniasis cutanea (2.4%, region Mediterranea /Oriente Medio), fiebre del dengue (1.5%, Asia), riquetsiosis (1.3%, sur de Africa),miasis (0.8%, Centroamerica), filariasis (0.7%, Africa), picaduras de garrapata (0.6%, Europa Central/Este), esquistosomiasis (0.6%, Africa), y tungiasis (0.6%, Africa). Los viajeros al Africa sub-Sahariana tenian el mayor riesgo relativo de adquirir algun desorden cutaneo. Conclusion: En la medida en que mas del 20% de todos los desordenes cutaneos entre los viajeros que regresaban a casa estaban causados por artropodos y cerca del 50% por patogenos infecciosos, las consultas previas al viaje deberian incluir una profilaxis especifica y considerar los principales factores de riesgo en el destino elegido.

Background To objectively compare the mood profiles of users of malaria chemoprophylaxis regimens (atovaquone–proguanil, chloroquine–proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) in a group of nonimmune tourists to sub-Saharan Africa. Methods In a randomized, double-blind, four-arm study with placebo run-in phase conducted at travel clinics in Switzerland, Germany, and Israel, we compared moods and feelings in chemoprophylaxis users (n= 547) by administering the standardized “Profile of Mood States” (POMS) questionnaire. This is designed to provide data on six categories of feelings: tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, and confusion. The questionnaire was administered at four time points: recruitment (T1), 13 to 11 days before departure (T2), 6 to 4 days before departure (T3), and 7 to 14 days after return from Africa (T4). Results There were no significant differences with respect to overall mood impact between the medication arms. All scores were in the normal range, and no means were more than 1 SD from the norm. The POMS data were reanalyzed with respect to sex, age, medication group, and control time points (T1–T4). There were significant interaction effects between sex and medication group—women in the mefloquine group showed more “fatigue” (p= .011) and “confusion” (p= .011) than men. Significant effects of age group (below median age 34 y vs median age and above) were noted on the “tension” and “fatigue” scales in that less “tension” (p= .045) and less “fatigue” (p= .000) were noted in those aged 34 years and older. Younger participants, aged

Traveller's diarrhoea (TD) constitutes the most common disease relevant to travel medicine with ETEC as the leading causative pathogen. Cholera is the most serious, but very rare form of TD. ETEC and cholera share pathogenic mechanisms by producing a toxin that has an 80% amino acid homology. A consensus of German-speaking experts sees the indication to use the whole cell/B subunit oral cholera vaccine (WC--BS) if cholera is a risk for aid workers or travellers with an anticipated threat of cholera who stay under poor hygienic conditions. The use of the vaccine should be considered in the indication to avoid ETEC TD for travellers with predisposing illness or medication or for travellers at risk to develop a serious course.

Three patients fell ill with diarrhoea 14 to 15 days after eating smoked ham. All had an increased white cell count (up to 16,200 microliters), eosinophilia (14 to 38%) and increased creatinkinase activity (357 up to 1905 U/l). Patient 1 (a 21-year-old woman) also had fever of around 40 degrees C; patient 2 (32-year-old woman) had a fever up to 39 degrees C, with muscle pains and swellings in the face. Patient 3 (38-year-old man) had no other symptoms. Because of eosinophilia and as five other family members in former Yugoslavia whence the ham had been imported, also had had fevers, trichinosis was soon considered as the cause. Serology in patients 1 and 2 was positive on admission, in patient 3 after one week. Mebendazole was administered, initially 50 mg/kg in three doses for 2 days. Drug blood levels were determined 1 and 4 hours after start of treatment and the dosage was then increased to 80-100 mg/kg daily. Duration of treatment ranged from 11 to 14 days. All patients were discharged symptom-free and there have been no sequelae. In Germany trichinosis typically occurs in small outbreaks. It is assuming increasing importance as an imported disease.

Eleven of 43 nonimmune patients with falciparum malaria had one or several organ complications: cerebral malaria, acute respiratory failure, acute renal failure, secondary infection, autoimmune haemolysis, spontaneous spleen rupture, and acute pancreatitis. Parasitaemia was 0.1 to 60%. Initial antiparasitic therapy with quinine given parenterally resulted in rapid regression of parasitaemia. An additional schizonticide agent was given depending on parasitic resistance. Supportive therapy comprised intensive-care monitoring including fluid and electrolyte balance and, if necessary, early haemodialysis and (or) endotracheal intubation with PEEP breathing. In one patient with excessive parasitaemia exchange transfusion was performed. Heparin was given only in proven disseminated intravascular coagulation, corticosteroids only in persistent autoimmune haemolysis. All patients survived without suffering permanent defects. Retrospective analysis shows that, apart from rapid specific therapy, supportive treatment of the individual organ complications determines course and prognosis of complicated falciparum malaria.

Objective There are few and incomplete data about the epidemiology of echinococcosis in Germany. The aim of this retrospective study was to collect informations about frequency and distribution of this parasitosis in one of the main endemic regions (Bavaria). Patients and methods Standardized questionnaires were sent to all Bavarian hospitals, requesting (anonymous) information about all patients with echinococcosis seen between 1985 and 1989. In addition, hospital statistics and archives were searched for echinococcosis cases. A total of 216 cases were found; sufficient data were available for 181 (87 males, 94 females; mean age 41 [4-79] years). There were 123 patients with cystic echinococcosis (infection with the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus), 58 with the alveolar form (larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis). In the remaining 35 the available information was inadequate for reliable differentiation. Results The data indicate a prevalence of echinococcosis in Bavaria of 1.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, 1.1 for Echinococcus granulosus and 0.5 for Echinococcus multilocularis. The mean annual incidence was 0.22 (Echinococcus granulosus 0.15; Echinococcus multilocularis 0.03). Dividing the patients by country of origin, 86.2% of those with Echinococcus multilocularis were German, while 68.3% of those with Echinococcus granulosus originated from outside Germany, mostly the Mediterranean area. The prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis infection was highest in the District of Swabia (2.4/100,000) and Upper Bavaria (0.6/100,000). These are regions in which there is a proven significantly higher infestation of echinococcosis in foxes. Farmers were most at risk of being infected with alveolar echinococcosis.

Im Rahmen einer prospektiven Multizenterstudie wurden die Wirksamkeit (Kriterien: Heilungsrate, Zeit bis zur Entfieberung oder Parasitenfreiheit) und Vertraglichkeit (Kriterien: klinische Nebenwirkungen, veranderte Laborparameter) von Halofantrin bei 96 nicht-immunen Malaria-Patienten (71 Manner, 25 Frauen, mittleres Alter 34,3 [21-62] Jahre) untersucht, die aus Hochresistenzgebieten nach Deutschland oder in die Schweiz zuruckgekehrt waren. 63 Patienten wurden mit einer Eintagestherapie behandelt (dreimal 500 mg Halofantrin); die folgenden 33 Patienten erhielten einen zusatzlichen Therapiezyklus nach einer Woche. In der zweiten Gruppe war die Therapie in allen Fallen wirksam, wahrend bei der Eintagestherapie funf von 41 Patienten (12,2 %) mit Malaria tropica einen Ruckfall erlitten. Die Zeit bis zur Entfieberung betrug 45 Stunden, die Zeit bis zur Parasitenfreiheit 66 Stunden. Bei funf Behandelten kam es unter der Therapie zu leichten Transaminasenanstiegen, die jedoch spontan innerhalb weniger Tage zuruckgingen und am ehesten infektionsbedingt waren. - Bei guter Vertraglichkeit ist Halofantrin fur die Therapie und Stand-by-Therapie von multiresistenten Plasmodien-Infektionen geeignet. Die Behandlung mus nach 7 Tagen wiederholt werden.

The efficacy and safety of artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of malaria in nonimmune populations are not well defined. In this study, 165 nonimmune patients from Europe and non-malarious areas of Colombia with acute, uncomplicated falciparum malaria or mixed infection including P. falciparum were treated with the six-dose regimen of artemether-lumefantrine. The parasitologic cure rate at 28 days was 96.0% for the per protocol population (119/124 patients). Median times to parasite clearance and fever clearance were 41.5 and 36.8 hours, respectively. No patient had gametocytes after Day 7. Treatment was well tolerated; most adverse events were mild to moderate and seemed to be related to malaria. There were few serious adverse events, none of which were considered to be drug-related. No significant effects on ECG or laboratory parameters were observed. In conclusion, the six-dose regimen of artemether-lumefantrine was effective and well tolerated in the treatment of acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria in nonimmune patients.

The measurement of parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) has been presented as an easy and rapid method for the diagnosis of malaria in humans. In order to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of such a test we examined blood samples from 429 Ugandan patients. While pLDH activity was significantly linked to parasitaemia, sensitivity and specificity were found to be rather low at 58.8 and 62.2% respectively. The positive and negative predictive values failed to meet necessary standards. We conclude that the methods of measurement of pLDH activity in malaria infection, although potentially useful for the fast diagnosis of malaria, need to be improved to be of true value in endemic areas.

The present controlled cross-sectional study aimed to assess relative and absolute lymphocytosis and lymphopenia induced by imported infectious diseases (IDs) seen among patients consulting the Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (1999–2014) after being in the tropics and subtropics. The analysis investigated data sets from 17,229 diseased German travelers returning from Latin America (3,238), Africa (5,467), and Asia (8,524), and from 1,774 healthy controls who had not recently traveled. Among the cases, the proportion of those with relative lymphopenia (10.5%) and absolute lymphopenia (8.0%) was significantly higher than among controls (3.2% and 3.6%, respectively), whereas relative lymphocytosis was significantly lower among cases (6.1%) than among controls (8.0%). The study identified IDs with significantly larger proportions of relative lymphocytosis (cytomegalovirus [CMV] infection [56%], infectious mononucleosis [51%], and dengue fever [11%]); absolute lymphocytosis (infectious mononucleosis [70%] and CMV infection [63%]); relative lymphopenia (streptococcal pharyngitis [56%], malaria [34%], Campylobacter infection [19%], salmonellosis [18%], and shigellosis [17%]); and of absolute lymphopenia (human immunodeficiency virus infection [53%], malaria [45%], dengue fever [40%], salmonellosis [16%], and Campylobacter infection [11%]). This study demonstrates that relative and absolute lymphocytosis and lymphopenia are useful laboratory findings for travelers returning from the tropics and subtropics, as they are typically caused by imported viral, bacterial, and protozoan IDs.

Since its introduction to the market in 1985, mefloquine has been used for malaria chemoprophylaxis by more than 35 million travellers. In Europe, in 2014, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued recommendations on strengthened warnings, prescribing checklists and updates to the product information of mefloquine. Some malaria prevention advisors question the scientific basis for the restrictions and suggest that this cost-effective, anti-malarial drug will be displaced as a first-line anti-malaria medication with the result that vulnerable groups such as VFR and long-term travellers, pregnant travellers and young children are left without a suitable alternative chemoprophylaxis. This commentary looks at the current position of mefloquine prescribing and the rationale of the new EMA recommendations and restrictions. It also describes the new recommendations for malaria prophylaxis that have been adapted by Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Italy where chemoprophylaxis use is restricted to high-risk malaria-endemic areas.

Eine 33-jahrige Patientin aus dem Libanon stellte sich mit rezidivierenden Hamoptysen, subfebrilen Temperaturen, Belastungsdyspnoe, Abgeschlagenheit, Gewichtsabnahme und Pruritus vor. Die serologischen und bildgebenden Untersuchungen fuhrten zu der Diagnose einer zystischen Echinokokkose mit Lungenbeteilung. Da die Patientin eine chirurgische Intervention ablehnte, wurde eine medikamentose Therapie mit Albendazol durchgefuhrt. Zwei Monate nach Therapiebeginn kam es zu einer kompletten Ruckbildung des Lungenbefunds. Eine Spontanheilung ist aufgrund der Zeitdauer des Bestehens der Zyste und der progredienten Symptomatik vor Therapieeinleitung unwahrscheinlich.

The resurgence of malaria in areas where it had been controlled previously and the concurrent emergence of drug-resistant malaria strains contribute to the current recommendations concerning malaria chemoprophylaxis. Chloroquine (e.g., Aralen), the former standard for malaria prevention and treatment,is now effective only in limited areas, and multidrug resistance has made chemoprophylaxis with mefloquine (e.g., Lariam) less effective in some regions. This has complicated the decision-making process with regard to selection of optimal antimalarial drug regimens for international travelers. Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide recommendations for the use of three currently available drugs for malaria prophylaxis in chloroquine-resistant areas: mefloquine, doxycycline (e.g., Vibramycin, Doryx), and atovaquone/proguanil (e.g., Malarone). Guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) include the three drugs above, and in addition, consider proguanil (e.g., Paludrine) coadministered or in fixed-dose combination with chloroquine, and also primaquine among current choices for malaria prophylaxis. This article presents a concise review of current knowledge about use of these drug regimens for prophylaxis against malaria. Given the increase in international travel and the spread of malaria into previously disease-free areas,growing numbers of travelers now face the risk of contracting this disease. 1 The number of cases of imported malaria has been rising in the United States,Canada,and other developed countries since the 1970s. In 1997, over 1,500 cases of imported malaria, including 6 fatalities, were reported in the United States, whereas in Canada, 1,036 cases of imported malaria were reported that year. 2‐5 Compounding the problem of increased incidence of malaria,parasite resis

Few diseases match the global impact of hepatitis A in terms of affected individuals. The disease is mainly transmitted by oral-fecal route with a very high attack rate and asymptomatic individuals, mainly young children, posing as transmission hosts. Improved sanitary conditions in many parts of the world have caused changes in the epidemiological situation: a shift can be observed towards HAV infection occurring later in life, when the likelihood of symptomatic disease is much higher. As the number of susceptible individuals in adolescence and early adulthood in countries with intermediate endemicity increases, the risk of epidemics with large numbers of clinically apparent infections is rising. Highly protective inactivated vaccines have become available in the last years as an effective protective measure against HAV. Immunization programs for children and adolescents in areas with decreasing incidence of hepatitis A appear advisable. Without doubt, hepatitis A is a disease with considerable global impact. It accounts for 20‐25% of clinical hepatitis worldwide. 1 The worldwide reported incidence of this disease is averaging 1.4 million cases/year but estimates for the true incidence are commonly placed 3‐10 times higher. 2 The problem of underreporting is particularly great: a considerable percentage of patients remain unnotified due to the frequently mild course of clinical disease. Within the United States, acute hepatitis is most commonly caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV): it accounts for approximately 47% of all cases. 3 In the period from 1984 until 1993,between 43,012 and 64,075 cases of acute hepatitis were reported annually, 4 with many more remaining unreported. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is

Background. The European Travel Health Advisory Board conducted a cross-sectional pilot survey to evaluate current travel health knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) and to determine where travelers going to developing countries obtain travel health information, what information they receive, and what preventive travel health measures they employ. Subsequently, the questionnaire used was improved and a cross-sectional, multicenter study was undertaken in airports in Europe, Asia, South Africa and the United States. This paper describes the methods used everywhere, and results from the European airports. Method. Between September 2002 and September 2003, 5,465 passengers residing in Europe and boarding an intercontinental flight to a developing country were surveyed at the departure gates of nine major airports in Europe. Questionnaires were self-administered, and checked for completeness and validated by trained interviewers. Results: Although the majority of travelers (73.3%) had sought general information about their destination prior to departure, only just over half of the responders (52.1%) had sought travel health advice. Tourists and people traveling for religious reasons had sought travel health advice more often, whereas travelers visiting friends and relatives were less likely to do so. Hepatitis A was perceived as the most probable among the infectious diseases investigated, followed by HIV and hepatitis B. In spite of a generally positive attitude towards vaccines, 58.4% and 68.7% of travelers could not report any protection against hepatitis A or hepatitis B, respectively. Only one in three travelers to a destination country with at least some malaria endemicity were carrying antimalarial drugs. Almost one in four travelers visiting a high-risk area had an inaccurate risk perception and even one in two going to a no-risk destination were unnecessarily concerned about malaria. Conclusions: The large variation in destinations, age of the travelers and reasons for traveling illustrates that traveling to a developing country has become common practice. The results of this large-scale airport survey clearly demonstrate an important educational need among those traveling to risk destinations. Initiatives to improve such education should target all groups of travelers, including business travelers, those visiting friends and relatives, and the elderly. Additionally, travel health advice providers should continue their efforts to make travelers comply with the recommended travel health advice. Our common objective is to help travelers stay healthy while abroad, and consequently to also reduce the potential importation of infectious diseases and the consequent public health and other implications.