Community-based seroprevalence survey of schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis by means of Dried Blood Spot testing on Sub-Saharan migrants resettled in Italy.

ABSTRACT

Serology is the most sensitive test for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis, highly prevalent diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The collection of dried blood spots (DBS) on filter papers enables researchers to conduct community-based studies on this matter. We investigated the seroprevalence of schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis on DBS in SSA migrants recently arrived in Italy. Seroprevalence was 10.2% for schistosomiasis and 2.7% for strongyloidiasis. The association between symptoms and positive serology was not statistically significant. Community-based serological screening of SSA migrants by means of DBS seems feasible and accepted; screening should be conducted independently of the presence of symptoms in such population.