[Screening the asymptomatic traveler returning from the tropics].
Travelers to developing countries may be exposed to several infectious pathogens sometimes leading to complications after a long latency period. Screening of asymptomatic returning travelers is only justified in case of specific risks during travel or after a long tropical stay (> 3 months). Based mainly on the history taking of risk patterns, some occult infections have to be looked for: tuberculosis, sexual transmitted infections and some parasitic conditions (schistosomiasis, amebiasis, strongyloidosis,...). Post-travel screening is most effective about 3 months after return, and may be even more beneficial if associated with screening of major western morbidities and preventive counseling for future travels.
Bottieau
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Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium. ebottieau@itg.be
Van Gompel
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D000562:Amebiasis / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D012941:Social Responsibility; D017206:Strongylida Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D014195:Travel; D014329:Tropical Climate; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000517:prevention & control