Malaria in long-term travelers: Infection risks and adherence to preventive measures - A prospective cohort study.

Background: Chemoprophylaxis and anti-mosquito measures are key to preventing malaria in travelers. Long-term travelers are at higher risk than short-term travelers, but their adherence to preventive measures is lower. Our aim was to determine malaria exposure risks and predictors for adherence to malaria-preventive measures in long-term travelers.

Increased seroprevalence of IgG-class antibodies against cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19, and varicella-zoster virus in women working in child day care.

Background: Primary maternal infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV), parvovirus B19 (B19V), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) may result in adverse pregnancy outcomes like congenital infection or foetal loss. Women working in child day care have an increased exposure to CMV, B19V, and VZV. By comparing the seroprevalence of IgG-class antibodies against CMV, VZV and B19V in female day care workers (DCW) with the seroprevalence in women not working in day care this study aimed to assess the association between occupation and infection.

Seroprevalence of varicella-zoster virus and predictors for seronegativity in the Amsterdam adult population.

Background: In the Netherlands, infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is considered a benign common childhood illness and routine vaccination against VZV is not done. In 1995 it was estimated that 98-100% of the adult Dutch general population is immune, yet the estimate is based on a database in which a relative small number of people of non-Dutch ethnic origin were represented. As the city of Amsterdam has large immigrant communities originating from various subtropical and tropical countries, such as Morocco, Surinam, and Turkey with probably lower VZV transmission, this study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of VZV IgG antibodies (anti-VZV) among various ethnic groups in Amsterdam, and identify factors associated with seronegative VZV status.

Low risk of hepatitis E among Dutch short-term travelers.

Hepatitis E is endemic in (sub)tropical countries while only sporadic cases have been described in industrialized countries. In a prospective study among 1270 short-term Dutch travelers to (sub)tropical countries we found no seroconversion to anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibodies, indicating a very low risk for travelers to acquire a hepatitis E infection.

Declining incidence of imported malaria in the Netherlands, 2000-2007.

Background: To describe the epidemiology and trends of imported malaria in the Netherlands from 2000 through 2007.

Methods: Based on national surveillance data regarding all reported infections of imported malaria, diagnosed 2000 through 2007, incidence and trends of imported malaria in the Netherlands were estimated. Travellers statistics were used to estimate incidence, and data on malaria chemoprophylaxis prescriptions were used to estimate the number of unprotected travellers.

Does registration of professionals improve the quality of travelers' health advice?

Background: The objectives of the Dutch National Coordination Center for Travelers' Health Advice (LCR) are to improve the uniformity of travelers' health advice in the Netherlands and to enhance its quality. The LCR offers national guidelines and quality criteria, as well as a telephone consultation service, where health professionals can pose questions regarding travel medicine. Since 2005, a register for qualified travel health professionals has been in place.

Risk of hepatitis B for travelers: is vaccination for all travelers really necessary?

Objectives: Behavioral studies in travelers suggest that 33% to 76% of all travelers to hepatitis B virus (HBV)-endemic countries are at risk for HBV infection. We study the incidence and risk factors for HBV infection in travelers.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of the characteristics and risk factors of all reported acute HBV patients in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from January 1, 1992, until December 31, 2003.

Trends in hepatitis A, B, and shigellosis compared with gonorrhea and syphilis in men who have sex with men in Amsterdam, 1992-2006.

Background: Since the mid-1990s, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) have increased and appear to be related to more risky sexual behavior. We compare trends in hepatitis A, acute hepatitis B, and shigellosis with the trends of gonorrhea and infectious syphilis in Amsterdam MSM more than a period of 15 years.

Methods: We used data of all reported hepatitis A, acute hepatitis B, and shigellosis, and from all patients newly diagnosed with gonorrhea and infectious syphilis who visited the Public Health Service STI outpatient department in Amsterdam between January 1, 1992 and December 31, 2006.