Immunocompromised travellers

Abstract

Given a better quality of life and extended life expectancy in patients with immune suppression, the number of immunocompromised travellers is constantly growing. The aim of the article is to discuss travel-related health problems in immunocompromised patients, their most common destinations and reasons to travel, as well as complications associated with travel to regions with harsh environmental conditions. The article focuses on selected groups of immunocompromised travellers (ICTs), i.e., cancer patients, transplant patients receiving immunosuppressant agents, splenectomised patients and HIV-infected individuals. The most common infections and complications, including traveller's diarrhoea, vector-borne diseases (yellow fever, malaria, leishmaniasis, dengue, chikungunya), respiratory infections (including tuberculosis), and dermatoses were taken into account. Preventive measures dedicated to ICTs (pre-travel consultation, vaccinations, malaria chemoprophylaxis, prevention during travelling) have been also characterised.

Definition and classification of ‘travellers’ in research: a bibliometric analysis

“…Vulnerable travellers (e.g. older, paediatric, immunocompromised, pregnant and obese travellers) have higher risk and more severe travel-related infections compared to healthy travellers 7 ; however, our study highlights that limited research has been conducted in this group of travellers. There is a clear need for more granular evidence to guide healthcare interventions for these populations, and addressing this research gap is essential.…”

Protozoan Intestinal Parasitic Infection in Patients with Hematological Malignancies

“…In our study, we did not find any correlation between intestinal parasites and travel history, but two patients, who declared a trip to Israel and Kenya (before hospitalization), had protozoan parasites. Cancer patients are at higher risk of infections during neutropenia after chemotherapy, and most patients should be discouraged from traveling during that period [ 49 ]. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as mentioned by Mikati et al [ 50 ], travelers are considered immunocompromised for three months after their last aggressive treatment.…”

S2k-Leitlinie Gastrointestinale Infektionen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten (DGVS)

“…Zusätzlich zur Basisdiagnostik in 1.3. ist das individuelle Risikoprofil und die Reiseanamnese bei der Erregerdiagnostik bei Immundefizienten zu berücksichtigen (siehe 5.1–5.6) 263 264 .…”