Strongyloides Seropositivity Among Children Utilizing a Mobile Clinic.

Abstract

Experts recommend screening for or presumptively treating strongyloidiasis in foreign-born immigrant children, though prevalence is unknown. Health care providers encounter barriers to following this recommendation. We aimed to describe Strongyloides seropositivity and risk factors among pediatric patients on a mobile clinic. Participants completed a written survey and provided blood for absolute eosinophil count (AEC) and Strongyloides IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). From October 2022 to June 2023, 206 patients participated; 201 (97.6%) were born outside the United States; 97.1% (n = 200) were Hispanic. Most (68.9%) arrived less than 1 year before study enrollment. Four (1.9%) and 3 (1.5%) had positive and equivocal ELISA results, respectively. Peripheral eosinophilia was seen in 27 participants (13%). Previous antiparasitic use was reported by 106 (51.5%). We found no significant associations between Strongyloides seropositivity and AEC, exposures, symptoms, or medical history. Mobile clinics can feasibly conduct strongyloidiasis prevalence studies to create guidelines for providers who see foreign-born immigrant children.