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

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.

Pre-travel care for immunocompromised and chronically ill travellers: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Immunocompromised and chronically ill travellers (ICCITs) are susceptible to travel related diseases. In ICCITs, pre-travel care regarding vaccinations and prophylactics is complex. We evaluated the protection level by preventive measures in ICCITs by analysing rates of vaccination protection, antibody titres, and the prescription of standby antibiotics. METHODS: We analysed, and reported according to STROBE guidelines, pre-travel care data for ICCITs visiting the medical pre-travel clinic at the Academic Medical Centre, The Netherlands from 2011 to 2016. RESULTS: We analysed 2104 visits of 1826 ICCITs. Mean age was 46.6 years and mean travel duration 34.5 days. ICCITs on immunosuppressive treatment (29.7%), HIV (17.2%) or diabetes mellitus (10.2%) comprised the largest groups. Most frequently visited countries were Suriname, Indonesia, and Ghana. Most vaccination rates were >90%. Of travellers in high need of hepatitis A and B protection, 56.6 and 75.7%, underwent titre assessments, respectively. Of ICCITs with a respective indication, 50.6% received a prescription for standby antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Vaccination rates in our study population were overall comparable to those of healthy travellers studied previously in our centre. However, regarding antibody titre assessments and prescription of standby antibiotics, this study demonstrates that uniform pre-travel guidelines for ICCITs are highly needed.