[Urological infections and migration]

Urologe A. 2019 Oct;58(10):1219-1230. doi: 10.1007/s00120-019-01040-8.
[Article in German]

Abstract

In the context of refugee migrations infectious diseases are being more frequently diagnosed, which the responsible physicians as well as urologists have never seen before. This is due to the poorer health and hygiene conditions in the country of origin, during the flight and in the refugee camps. In Europe increasing incidences of tuberculosis, schistosomiasis and scabies have recently been observed. Tuberculosis and schistosomiasis are often accompanied by unspecific symptoms or can resemble normally encountered urological diseases. Due to the highly contagious nature of scabies, a screening of new arrivals is recommended. A timely differential diagnostic inclusion of these disease patterns is enormously important. Despite the reduction in the numbers of asylum applications in Germany, a higher number of unregistered migrants is generally assumed, who also elude the healthcare system and can therefore contribute to the spread of these rare infectious diseases.

Keywords: Differential diagnosis; Flight; Scabies; Schistosomiasis; Tuberculosis.

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Refugees*
  • Reproductive Tract Infections / diagnosis
  • Schistosomiasis / diagnosis
  • Transients and Migrants*
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis, Urogenital / diagnosis*
  • Urinary Tract Infections / diagnosis*