Travel-related health problems in the immunocompromised traveller: An exploratory study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Immunocompromised travellers (ICTs) are at increased risk of travel-related health problems. Therefore, they are advised to attend specialised pre-travel clinics for advice on vaccination, malaria chemoprophylaxis and on-demand antibiotics. However, studies yield conflicting data regarding travel-related health problems encountered by ICTs; questioning the rationale for certain advices, and particularly the advice of on-demand antibiotics.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate self-reported travel-related health problems, antibiotic use, medical visits and risk behaviours in ICTs and controls.

METHODS:

We conducted a questionnaire-based observational study with pilot character. We recruited participants from a (medical) pre-travel clinic. Telephone interviews were conducted 2-4 weeks post-travelling, applying a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS:

We included 30 ICTs and 30 controls. More ICTs than controls reported travel-related health problems, antibiotic use and medical visits, although not statistically significant. Travellers' diarrhoea appeared to be more severe in ICTs. Furthermore one ICT was hospitalized post-travel due to pneumonia. Of ICTs, 2/30 (7%) used on demand antibiotics while not indicated (according to the protocol of the Dutch national coordinating centre for travel advice or prescribed by a physician). Reversely, 6/30 (20%) did not use on demand antibiotics while actually indicated according to this protocol.

DISCUSSION:

Our findings substantiate the recommendation of on demand antibiotics. However, ICTs did often not use on demand antibiotics correctly; they therefore need very careful instructions.

• Authors: Mariëlle van Aalst, Marella C E van Ruissen, Roos Verhoeven, Godelieve J de Bree, Abraham Goorhuis, Martin P Grobusch
• Journal: Travel medicine and infectious disease (Travel Med Infect Dis) 2018 Sep - Oct Vol. 25 Pg. 50-57 ISSN: 1873-0442 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 29763669 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (administration & dosage)
• Data Collection
• Diarrhea (prevention & control)
• Humans
• Immunocompromised Host
• Middle Aged
• Risk Factors
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Travel
• Travel-Related Illness
• Vaccination