[Cyclosporiasis: a clinical and epidemiological study in travellers with imported Cyclospora cayetanensis infection]. / Ciclosporiasis: estudio clinicoepidemiológico en viajeros con Cyclospora cayetanensis importada.

BACKGROUND: To assess the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the enteritis produced by Cyclospora cayetanensis. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A microbiological, epidemiological and clinical protocol in travelers to tropical and temperate areas affected by travelers diarrhea (TD). RESULTS: C. cayetanenesis was isolated from 55 patients. 96% of them suffered TD. Persistent diarrhea (> 2 weeks) was present in 69% and weight loss > or = 3 kg in 38%. In 36% of cases, TD began after returning from the trip. Although C. cayetanensis has a cosmopolitan distribution, it was mostly isolated from travellers to Latin America, the Indian subcontinent and South East Asia. In only five cases a potential risk factor was detected: strawberries (3), buffalo's milk (1) and marinated fish "ceviche" (1). CONCLUSIONS: C. cayetanensis is an emerging enteropathogen, isolated in 2-4% of Spanish travellers suffering from TD, and should be considered in the diferential diagnosis of this clinical entity.

[Katayama fever in Spanish tourists: analysis of 25 cases]. / Fiebre de Katayama en turistas españoles: análisis de 25 casos.

BACKGROUND: Awareness about the clinical presentation and the clinical and terapeutical management of acute schistosomiasis in the non immune traveller. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Febrile patients with epidemiological history of swimming in endemic areas. Prospective protocol 1984-1999. RESULTS: 21% of patients with a diagnosis of schistosomiasis developed the Katayamna syndrome. Nine patients had also a clinical picture of swimmer's itch dermatitis. Diagnosis was suspected on the basis of epidemiology, fever and eosinophilia. Diagnostic confirmation was established through serology in 10 cases and parasitology in 11. In 2 cases both methods were positive. CONCLUSIONS: Fever and eosinophilia after being exposed to infested waters should rise alarm on the syndrome. Availability of serological tests with an earlier positivization and badly needed at present. In Spain two trips, to Mali (Dogon country) and Uganda, are responsible for 75% of the infections. The subject should be introduced routinely in our travellers clinics.