%0 Journal Article
%T Prevalence, Clinical Staging and Risk for Blood-Borne Transmission of Chagas Disease among Latin American Migrants in Geneva, Switzerland
%A Yves Jackson
%A Laurent G谷taz
%A Hans Wolff
%A Marylise Holst
%A Anne Mauris
%A Agla谷 Tardin
%A Juan Sztajzel
%A Val谷rie Besse
%A Louis Loutan
%A Jean-Michel Gaspoz
%A Jean Jannin
%A Pedro Albajar Vinas
%A Alejandro Luquetti
%A Franˋois Chappuis
%J PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
%D 2010
%I Public Library of Science (PLoS)
%R 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000592
%X Background Migration of Latin Americans to the USA, Canada and Europe has modified Chagas disease distribution, but data on imported cases and on risks of local transmission remain scarce. We assessed the prevalence and risk factors for Chagas disease, staged the disease and evaluated attitudes towards blood transfusion and organ transplant among Latin American migrants in Geneva, Switzerland. Methodology/Principal Findings This cross-sectional study included all consecutive Latin American migrants seeking medical care at a primary care facility or attending two Latino churches. After completing a questionnaire, they were screened for Chagas disease with two serological tests (Biom谷rieux ELISA cruzi; Biokit Bioelisa Chagas). Infected subjects underwent a complete medical work-up. Predictive factors for infection were assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.1012 persons (females: 83%; mean age: 37.2 [SD 11.3] years, Bolivians: 48% [n = 485]) were recruited. 96% had no residency permit. Chagas disease was diagnosed with two positive serological tests in 130 patients (12.8%; 95%CI 10.8%每14.9%), including 127 Bolivians (26.2%; 95%CI 22.3%每30.1%). All patients were in the chronic phase, including 11.3% with cardiac and 0.8% with digestive complications. Predictive factors for infection were Bolivian origin (OR 33.2; 95%CI 7.5每147.5), reported maternal infection with T. cruzi (OR 6.9; 95%CI 1.9每24.3), and age older than 35 years (OR 6.7; 95%CI 2.4每18.8). While 22 (16.9%) infected subjects had already donated blood, 24 (18.5%) and 34 (26.2%) considered donating blood and organs outside Latin America, respectively. Conclusions Chagas disease is highly prevalent among Bolivian migrants in Switzerland. Chronic cardiac and digestive complications were substantial. Screening of individuals at risk should be implemented in nonendemic countries and must include undocumented migrants.
%U http://www.plosntds.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pntd.0000592