Travel Medicine Advisor Archives – April 1, 2004
April 1, 2004
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Blastocystis hominis: Pathogen or Commensal?
Blastocystis hominis, a protozoan parasite, is frequently identified in stools of returned travelers. There is, however, no conclusive evidence that this parasite causes symptoms in humans or that it requires specific treatment. -
ASTMH Symposium on Neurocysticercosis
Dr. Robert Gilman convened an important symposium on neurocysticercosis at the annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. During that symposium, Dr. Theodore Nash from NIAID reported on the increasing evidence indicating that calcific neurocysticercosis is not necessarily clinically inactive, but may be a cause of seizures and focal symptoms associated with episodic perilesional edema. -
Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis Among US Travelers
Travelers returning from Africa are at risk for having acquired spotted fever rickettsiosis. The diagnosis can be missed if convalescent sera are obtained too early; therefore, convalescent specimens should be obtained at least 28 days after the onset of illness. -
Pseudomembrane Found Upon Intubation of a Returned Traveler
A case of fatal respiratory diphtheria in an unvaccinated Pennsylvania resident who had visited Haiti brings to light the need for all international travelers to be current with all recommended vaccinations, including a primary series of diphtheria toxoid. -
Pharmacology Watch: Estrogen Found to Not Affect Heart Disease, Breast Cancer
The NIH has halted the estrogen-alone wing of the Womens Health Initiative a year before its scheduled end.