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October 1, 2025Open Access

Strongyloides Seropositivity Among Children Utilizing a Mobile Clinic

Key Points

Only 1.9% of participants had positive results for Strongyloides seropositivity, indicating very low prevalence.
A significant 51.5% of participants had a history of antiparasitic treatment, which may impact findings on seropositivity.
Mobile clinics effectively conducted screening for Strongyloides seropositivity among immigrant children, demonstrating potential for broader health initiatives.
No significant associations were found between seropositivity and various demographic or medical history factors.

Abstract

Experts recommend screening for or presumptively treating strongyloidiasis in foreign-born immigrant children, though prevalence is unknown. Health care providers encounter barriers to following this recommendation. We aimed to describe Strongyloides seropositivity and risk factors among pediatric patients on a mobile clinic. Participants completed a written survey and provided blood for absolute eosinophil count (AEC) and Strongyloides IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). From October 2022 to June 2023, 206 patients participated; 201 (97.6%) were born outside the United States; 97.1% (n = 200) were Hispanic. Most (68.9%) arrived less than 1 year before study enrollment. Four (1.9%) and 3 (1.5%) had positive and equivocal ELISA results, respectively. Peripheral eosinophilia was seen in 27 participants (13%). Previous antiparasitic use was reported by 106 (51.5%). We found no significant associations between Strongyloides seropositivity and AEC, exposures, symptoms, or medical history. Mobile clinics can feasibly conduct strongyloidiasis prevalence studies to create guidelines for providers who see foreign-born immigrant children.

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