Prevalence of heterophyid infection among Japanese residents of Egypt (2005-2008) and its association with length of stay

A total of 300 stool samples collected from 213 Japanese residents of Egypt were examined microscopically. Among these samples, 39 were judged positive for heterophyid eggs. Sixty seven residents were examined repeatedly. The prevalence of heterophyid eggs revealed by the first examination samples was 8.5% (18⁄213) whereas that revealed by the second follow-up was 24% (16⁄67). The interval between the first and second examination was one year in 58 cases and 2 years in 9 cases. <br>The association of infection with the length of stay in Egypt was evident. Positivity among new residents (period of stay in Egypt ‹ 1 year) was as low as 3% (2⁄60). Positive conversion from new residents was observed in 28% (7⁄25), indicating a positive association between heterophyid infection and the length of stay in Egypt among Japanese residents of that country.

CURRENT STATUS OF RESPIRATORY DISEASES SUFFERED BY JAPANESE PEOPLE LIVING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

We gathered and analyzed date on respiratory diseases suffered by Japanese adults treated in Ram Hospital in Chiang Mai and Subang Jaya Medical Center in Kuala Lumpur. In both hospitals, the percentages of patients undergoing treatment for respiratory diseases was the greatest. Of these, relatively mild symptoms such as upper respiratory tract infection account for the majority of the diseases, but also included are instances of lower respiratory tract infection or chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic sinusitis and COPD⁄bronchial asthma. In Kuala Lumpur, we conducted a questionnaire-based survey targeted on Japanese people living there, in order to detemine the currnt status of respiratory deseases. The date showed that many Japanese had symptoms of respiratory diseases and felt that air pollution was serious. <BR>It is important for Japanese people living in Asia to be aware of preventative measures to prevent respiratory diseases, such as those caused by air pollution and infection.

THE USE OF TRAVEL VACCINES BY JAPANESE EXPATRIATES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

From 1998 to 2001, using questionnaires, we surveyed the use of travel vaccines among Japanese expatriates in developing countries. The percentage of those using more than one type of travel vaccine before departure increased significantly (45.6% in 1998 to 53.4% in 2001 (p<0.001)). In regions such as tropical Africa and South Asia, vaccination rates were high. But the increase was most noticeable in East Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and tetanus were high throughout the developing countries. Vaccinations against yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis were high in endemic regions. Vaccination rates were slightly higher for typhoid fever in South Asia and tropical Africa than that in other areas. Vaccination rates for cholera, however, showed yearly declines. These trends seem to reflect a growing awareness among expatriates of the benefits of travel vaccines. Even so, nearly half of those living the countries have not received sufficient vaccination, indicating a need for further education.