Prevalence of neglected tropical diseases among migrants living in Europe: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Year: 2025
Type: review
Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Migration to Europe has intensified due to recent political conflicts, economic crises, and climate change, introducing an increased risk of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) within this population. While NTDs typically impact tropical regions, their presence among migrants in Europe presents a growing challenge, compounded by limited research in this area. This study provides the first meta-analysis on the prevalence of NTDs in migrants across European nations. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted focusing on studies that included NTD prevalence among migrant populations in Europe, with data sourced until July 2024. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies were eligible, with bias assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Prevalence rates for various NTDs were calculated using a random-effects model, and meta-regressions were performed to assess potential moderators like sample size, age, and gender. RESULTS: A total of 148 studies comprising 228,798 migrants were analyzed. The most prevalent NTDs were strongyloidiasis (11.53 %) and schistosomiasis (10.8 %), with American trypanosomiasis also present. Dengue and lymphatic filariasis showed significant rates, though high heterogeneity was noted. Data quality was frequently low, with most studies at a high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the need for robust screening and diagnostic protocols in Europe for NTDs, particularly as clinician familiarity with these diseases is limited. Test-and-treat strategies appear promising, yet more comprehensive efforts are necessary. Establishing a European NTD registry could improve monitoring and management. Future studies should prioritize higher-quality data and address the barriers migrants face in accessing health services.
Authors: Giacomo Guido, Luisa Frallonardo, Sergio Cotugno, Elda De Vita, Giulia Patti, Laura De Santis, Francesco Vladimiro Segala, Emanuele Nicastri, Federico Gobbi, Anna Morea, Francesca Indraccolo, Domenico Otranto, Ana Requena-Mendez, Nicola Veronese, Annalisa Saracino, Francesco Di Gennaro, Roberta Iatta
Institutions: University of Bari Aldo Moro, Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani, Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, University of Brescia, City University of Hong Kong, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Parasitology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,710
Funder: European Commission
Award: G2020244936
OpenAlex ID: W4407740593