Male genitourinary schistosomiasis-related symptoms among long-term Western African migrants in Spain: a prospective population-based screening study.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is highly endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and frequently imported to Europe. Male urogenital manifestations are often neglected. We aimed to ascertain the prevalence of genitourinary clinical signs and symptoms among long-term African migrants in a non-endemic European country using a serology test. METHODS: We carried out a prospective, community-based cross-sectional study of adult male migrants from sub-Saharan Africa living in Spain. Schistosoma serology tests and microscopic urine examinations were carried out, and clinical data were obtained from an electronic medical record search and a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: We included 388 adult males, mean age 43.5 years [Standard Deviation (SD) = 12.0, range: 18-76]. The median time since migration to the European Union was 17 [Interquartile range (IQR): 11-21] years. The most frequent country of origin was Senegal (N = 179, 46.1%). Of the 338, 147 (37.6%) tested positive for Schistosoma. Parasite eggs were present in the urine of only 1.3%. Nine genitourinary clinical items were significantly associated with positive Schistosoma serology results: pelvic pain (45.2%; OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.0-2.4), pain on ejaculation (14.5%; OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.0-3.5), dyspareunia (12.4%; OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.2-5.2), erectile dysfunction (9.5%; OR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.3-7.6), self-reported episodes of infertility (32.1%; OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.0-2.8), haematuria (55.2%; OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.5-3.6), dysuria (52.1%; OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.3-3.1), undiagnosed syndromic STIs (5.4%), and orchitis (20.7%; OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.0-3.1). Clinical signs tended to cluster. CONCLUSIONS: Urogenital clinical signs and symptoms are prevalent among male African long-term migrants with a positive Schistosoma serology results. Genital involvement can be frequent even among those with long periods of non-residence in their sub-Saharan African countries of origin. Further research is needed to develop diagnostic tools and validate therapeutic approaches to chronic schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis screening in non-endemic countries from a cost perspective: Knowledge gaps and research priorities. The case of African long-term residents in a Metropolitan Area, Spain.

BACKGROUND: Imported schistosomiasis is an emerging issue in European countries as a result of growing global migration from schistosomiasis-endemic countries, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Undetected infection may lead to serious long-term complications with an associated high cost for public healthcare systems especially among long-term migrants. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate from a health economics perspective the introduction of schistosomiasis screening programs in non-endemic countries with high prevalence of long-term migrants. METHODOLOGY: We calculated the costs associated with three approaches-presumptive treatment, test-and-treat and watchful waiting-under different scenarios of prevalence, treatment efficacy and the cost of care resulting from long-term morbidity. Costs were estimated for our study area, in which there are reported to reside 74,000 individuals who have been exposed to the infection. Additionally, we methodically reviewed the potential factors that could affect the cost/benefit ratio of a schistosomiasis screening program and need therefore to be ascertained. RESULTS: Assuming a 24% prevalence of schistosomiasis in the exposed population and 100% treatment efficacy, the estimated associated cost per infected person of a watchful waiting strategy would be €2,424, that of a presumptive treatment strategy would be €970 and that of a test-and-treat strategy would be €360. The difference in averted costs between test-and-treat and watchful waiting strategies ranges from nearly €60 million in scenarios of high prevalence and treatment efficacy, to a neutral costs ratio when these parameters are halved. However, there are important gaps in our understanding of issues such as the efficacy of treatment in infected long-term residents, the natural history of schistosomiasis in long-term migrants and the feasibility of screening programs. CONCLUSION: Our results support the roll-out of a schistosomiasis screening program based on a test-and-treat strategy from a health economics perspective under the most likely projected scenarios, but important knowledge gaps should be addressed for a more accurate estimations among long-term migrants.

Reduced humoral response 3 months following BNT162b2 vaccination in SARS-CoV-2 uninfected residents of long-term care facilities.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is the most effective strategy to protect older residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF) against severe COVID-19, but primary vaccine responses are less effective in older adults. Here, we characterised the humoral responses of institutionalised seniors 3 months after they had received the mRNA/BNT162b2 vaccine. METHODS: plasma levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific total IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies were measured before and 3 months after vaccination in older residents of LTCF. Neutralisation capacity was assessed in a pseudovirus neutralisation assay against the original WH1 and later B.1.617.2/Delta variants. A group of younger adults was used as a reference group. RESULTS: three months after vaccination, uninfected older adults presented reduced SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG levels and a significantly lower neutralisation capacity against the WH1 and Delta variants compared with vaccinated uninfected younger individuals. In contrast, COVID-19-recovered older adults showed significantly higher SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG levels after vaccination than their younger counterparts, whereas showing similar neutralisation activity against the WH1 virus and an increased neutralisation capacity against the Delta variant. Although, similarly to younger individuals, previously infected older adults elicit potent cross-reactive immune responses, higher quantities of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies are required to reach the same neutralisation levels. CONCLUSIONS: although hybrid immunity seems to be active in previously infected older adults 3 months after mRNA/BNT162b2 vaccination, humoral immune responses are diminished in COVID-19 uninfected but vaccinated older residents of LTCF. These results suggest that a vaccine booster dose should be prioritised for this particularly vulnerable population.

The interplay between infection risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 and mortality: a cross-sectional study from a cohort of long-term care nursing home residents.

BACKGROUND: Covid-19 pandemic has particularly affected older people living in Long-term Care settings in terms of infection and mortality. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional analysis within a cohort of Long-term care nursing home residents between March first and June thirty, 2020, who were ≥ 65 years old and on whom at least one PCR test was performed. Socio-demographic, comorbidities, and clinical data were recorded. Facility size and community incidence of SARS-CoV-2 were also considered. The outcomes of interest were infection (PCR positive) and death. RESULTS: A total of 8021 residents were included from 168 facilities. Mean age was 86.4 years (SD = 7.4). Women represented 74.1%. SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in 27.7% of participants, and the overall case fatality rate was 11.3% (24.9% among those with a positive PCR test). Epidemiological factors related to risk of infection were larger facility size (pooled aOR 1.73; P < .001), higher community incidence (pooled aOR 1.67, P = .04), leading to a higher risk than the clinical factor of low level of functional dependence (aOR 1.22, P = .03). Epidemiological risk factors associated with mortality were male gender (aOR 1.75; P < .001), age (pooled aOR 1.16; P < .001), and higher community incidence (pooled aOR 1.19, P = < 0.001) whereas clinical factors were low level of functional dependence (aOR 2.42, P < .001), Complex Chronic Condition (aOR 1.29, P < .001) and dementia (aOR 1.33, P <0.001). There was evidence of clustering for facility and health area when considering the risk of infection and mortality (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a complex interplay between structural and individual factors regarding Covid-19 infection and its impact on mortality in nursing-home residents.

Designing a Person-Centred Integrated Care Programme for People with Complex Chronic Conditions: A Case Study from Catalonia.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of people with complex chronic conditions is increasing. This population's high social and health needs require person-centred integrated approaches to care. METHODS: To collect data about experiences with the health system and identify priorities for care, we conducted 2 focus groups and 15 semi-structured interviews involving patients with multimorbidity and advanced conditions, caregivers, and representatives of patients' associations. To design the programme, we combined this information with evidence-based recommendations from local healthcare and social care professionals. RESULTS: Patients' and caregivers' main priorities were to ensure (a) comprehension of information provided by healthcare professionals; (b) coordination between patients, caregivers, and professionals; (c) access to social services; (d) support to caregivers in managing situations; (e) perceived support throughout the healthcare process; (f) home care, when available; and (d) a patient-centred approach. These dimensions were included in 37 of 63 clinical actions of the programme to cover the whole care trajectory: identifying high needs, defining, and providing care plans, managing crises, and providing transitional care and end-of-life care. CONCLUSION: We developed an evidence-based integrated care programme tailored to high-need patients combining input from patients, caregivers, and healthcare and social care professionals.

A Cost-Benefit Analysis of COVID-19 Vaccination in Catalonia.

(1) Background: In epidemiological terms, it has been possible to calculate the savings in health resources and the reduction in the health effects of COVID vaccines. Conducting an economic evaluation, some studies have estimated its cost-effectiveness; the vaccination shows highly favorable results, cost-saving in some cases. (2) Methods: Cost-benefit analysis of the vaccination campaign in the North Metropolitan Health Region (Catalonia). An epidemiological model based on observational data and before and after comparison is used. The information on the doses used and the assigned resources (conventional hospital beds, ICU, number of tests) was extracted from administrative data from the largest primary care provider in the region (Catalan Institute of Health). A distinction was made between the social perspective and the health system. (3) Results: the costs of vaccination are estimated at 137 million euros (€48.05/dose administered). This figure is significantly lower than the positive impacts of the vaccination campaign, which are estimated at 470 million euros (€164/dose administered). Of these, 18% corresponds to the reduction in ICU discharges, 16% to the reduction in conventional hospital discharges, 5% to the reduction in PCR tests and 1% to the reduction in RAT tests. The monetization of deaths and cases that avoid sequelae account for 53% and 5% of total savings, respectively. The benefit/cost ratio is estimated at 3.4 from a social perspective and 1.4 from a health system perspective. The social benefits of vaccination are estimated at €116.67 per vaccine dose (€19.93 from the perspective of the health system). (4) Conclusions: The mass vaccination campaign against COVID is cost-saving. From a social perspective, most of these savings come from the monetization of the reduction in mortality and cases with sequelae, although the intervention is equally widely cost-effective from the health system perspective thanks to the reduction in the use of resources. It is concluded that, from an economic perspective, the vaccination campaign has high social returns.

COVIDApp as an Innovative Strategy for the Management and Follow-Up of COVID-19 Cases in Long-Term Care Facilities in Catalonia: Implementation Study.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an unprecedented worldwide public health crisis that requires new management approaches. COVIDApp is a mobile app that was adapted for the management of institutionalized individuals in long-term care facilities. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to report the implementation of this innovative tool for the management of long-term care facility residents as a high-risk population, specifically for early identification and self-isolation of suspected cases, remote monitoring of mild cases, and real-time monitoring of the progression of the infection. METHODS: COVIDApp was implemented in 196 care centers in collaboration with 64 primary care teams. The following parameters of COVID-19 were reported daily: signs/symptoms; diagnosis by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction; absence of symptoms for ≥14 days; total deaths; and number of health care workers isolated with suspected COVID-19. The number of at-risk centers was also described. RESULTS: Data were recorded from 10,347 institutionalized individuals and up to 4000 health care workers between April 1 and 30, 2020. A rapid increase in suspected cases was seen until day 6 but decreased during the last two weeks (from 1084 to 282 cases). The number of confirmed cases increased from 419 (day 6) to 1293 (day 22) and remained stable during the last week. Of the 10,347 institutionalized individuals, 5,090 (49,2%) remained asymptomatic for ≥14 days. A total of 854/10,347 deaths (8.3%) were reported; 383 of these deaths (44.8%) were suspected/confirmed cases. The number of isolated health care workers remained high over the 30 days, while the number of suspected cases decreased during the last 2 weeks. The number of high-risk long-term care facilities decreased from 19/196 (9.5%) to 3/196 (1.5%). CONCLUSIONS: COVIDApp can help clinicians rapidly detect and remotely monitor suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 among institutionalized individuals, thus limiting the risk of spreading the virus. The platform shows the progression of infection in real time and can aid in designing new monitoring strategies.

Caracterización de los peregrinos musulmanes procedentes de España: de Barcelona a Arabia Saudita / No disponible

Objetivo: 1. Caracterizar a los viajeros que se desplazan a Arabia Saudita con motivo de la peregrinación a los lugares santos islámicos (Hajj o Umra) y, 2. Determinar el riesgo del viaje en relación a una cohorte de inmigrantes viajeros a sus países de origen. Población y método: Se analizan datos procedentes de peregrinos (grupo H) durante el periodo 06/99-01/03 y se comparan con un grupo de inmigrantes viajeros consultantes durante el mismo periodo (grupo IV).Resultados: En el grupo H fueron identificados 23 viajeros-inmigrantes 15 (65,2%) y españoles 8 (34,8%)- .Tomaron parte en la Umra 13 (56,5%) y en el Hajj 10(43,5%). Habían residido por periodos > 2 años en Europa 19 (82,6%; IC95%: 67,3-97,9) y visitaron otro país 7 (30,4%). No se hallaron diferencias significativas entre los grupos H e IV en cuanto a días de duración del viaje y nº de viajes de riesgo. Los viajeros del grupo IV consultaron con mayor frecuencia en periodos < 15 días previos a la partida (p<0,001), lo que ello sugiere la existencia de mayor planificación y conocimiento de actividades preventivas del grupo H. Presentaron algún problema de salud el 8,6% del los viajeros del grupo H y el 23,1% del grupo IV. Conclusiones: Una parte sustancial de los peregrinos es de origen autóctono. Los peregrinos presentaron factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de problemas de salud en una proporción similar a la que presentan los inmigrantes que visitan sus países de origen (AU)

Objectives: 1. To characterize travelling people fulfilling the mandatory islamic obligation to visit the holy places in Saudi Arabia (Hajj or Umra) and, 2. To determine the risk of travel compared with a travelling immigrant to native country cohort. Method: Data recorded from travellers consulting to carryout some kind of pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia (group H)from 06/99 to 01/03 are analyzed and they were compared with a group of travelling immigrants during the same period (group IV).Results: In the group H 23 travellers were identified, of whom they were immigrants 15 (65.2%) and Spanish 8(34.8%). They carried out Umra 13 (56.5%) and Hajj10 (43.5%). They resided during periods > 2 years in Europe 19 (82.6%; IC 95%: 67.3-97.9) and they visited further countries 7 (30.4%). There where not significant differences between groups H and IV concerning lenght of journey and number of considered risk travels. Travellers from group IV consulted most frequently in periods < 15days prior to the journey (p<0.001), which suggests the existence of better planning and knowledge about pretravel preventive measures among group H. Any health problem abroad was recorded in 8.6% of group H and23.1% of group IV. Conclusions: A substantial part of islamic pilgrims have yet a spanish-native origin. Travelling pilgrims displayed risk factors to develop health problems in a similar proportion to which display the immigrants who visit their native countries (AU)