During 2016-17, national guidelines were developed in order to provide evidence-based recommendations on health assessments for migrants and asylum seekers upon their arrival in Italy. Scientific literature published between 2005 and 2016 was searched in different databases. A free search was also performed on international organizations' websites in order to identify additional relevant documents. A multidisciplinary panel discussed the resulting evidence and formulated recommendations. Evidence-based recommendations were formulated: signs and symptoms of specific diseases should to be actively searched for active TB, malaria, STI, intestinal parasites, diabetes, anaemia. In case of other health conditions (latent TB, HIV, HBV, HCV, STI, strongyloides, schistosoma, diabetes), testing should be offered to asymptomatic subjects coming from endemic areas or exposed to risk factors. Mass screening is recommended for anaemia and hypertension; a pregnancy test should be considered, while inclusion in cervical cancer screening and vaccination programs is recommended. A modulated, progressive approach was developed, covering an initial evaluation during rescue operations, a full medical examination at first line reception stage and the referral to national health services during second line reception. It is important to produce and periodically update guidelines on these issues and local peculiarities should be taken into account in their design and implementation. Guidelines can not only support economic sustainability, but also counteract stigmatization dynamics.

Few reliable data are available on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and other infections among African refugees and asylum seekers in Italy. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of NTDs and other infections in a large cohort of African refugees and asylum seekers living in reception centers in Lazio, Italy. This is an observational, prospective prevalence study on infectious diseases in a large population of African refugees and asylum seekers consecutively enrolled for screening purpose at the Infectious and Tropical diseases outpatient clinic of the National Institute of Migrant and Poverty (INMP), Rome from August 2019 to December 2020. We found a prevalence of 8.8 % and 31 % for Strongyloides and schistosoma infection, respectively, while the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was 0.7 %, HCV antibodies. 2.5%, hepatitis B virus surface antigen 10.8 % and syphilis serological tests 2.9 %. Strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis are highly prevalent among African refugees and asylum seekers in Italy, in contrast to communicable diseases (with the exception of hepatitis B). Raising awareness of NTDs among health professionals and implementing guidelines seems to be of paramount importance to prevent these diseases and their sufferers from becoming even more "neglected".

Strongyloides stercoralis infection is a life-threatening neglected tropical disease. Diagnostic issues have caused an underestimation of its global burden. The choice of appropriate diagnostic tests for the screening of populations at risk of the infection, such as migrants from endemic countries, is of paramount importance. From November 2017 to July 2018, all migrants presenting to the National Institute for Health Migration and Poverty (INMP) in Rome, Italy were offered screening tests for S. stercoralis infection. The study objective was to estimate the prevalence of strongyloidiasis in the study population and the accuracy of a novel ELISA assay. The following tests were carried out at the IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria hospital in Negrar, Verona: stool microscopy, real-time PCR for S. stercoralis, in-house immunofluorescence test (IFAT), a commercial ELISA assay (Bordier ELISA), and a novel ELISA assay (Euroimmun ELISA). A latent class analysis (LCA) model set up with test results, clinical variables, and eosinophilia indicated a prevalence around 7.5%, in line with previous findings. The sensitivity and the specificity of Euroimmun ELISA were 90.6% (95% CI 80.5–100) and 87.7% (95CI 84.5–91.0); these results indicate that the novel ELISA assay would be suitable for screening of migrants from endemic countries.

Chagas disease (CD) is a parasitic infection endemic in Latin America and also affects patients in Western countries due to migration flows. This has a significant impact on health services worldwide due to its high morbidity and mortality burden. This paper aims to share our experience at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, IRCCS, in Rome, Italy, where to date, a total of 47 patients—mainly Bolivian women—diagnosed with CD have received treatment with benznidazole, with all but one presenting with chronic disease. Most of the patients were recruited through the first extensive screening program held in 2014 at our Institute. About a quarter of our patients showed adverse effects to benznidazole, including a case of severe drug-induced liver injury, but 83% completed a full course of treatment. In addition to the description of our cohort, the paper reports a brief overview of the disease compiled through a review of the existing literature on CD in non-endemic countries. The growing prevalence of CD in Western countries highlights the importance of screening at-risk populations and urges public concern and medical awareness about this neglected tropical disease. There are still many unanswered questions that need to be addressed to develop a personalized approach in treating patients.

Schistosomiasis is a widespread disease that can cause serious health issues if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Fortunately, there is an effective and safe treatment available: praziquantel (PZQ). In countries with a high influx of migrants from schistosomiasis-endemic regions, it is crucial to ensure the availability of PZQ. This discussion will address the barriers and the need for PZQ in Italy.

The significant burden of strongyloidiasis and scabies in Italy highlights the urgent need for ivermectin (IVM) to be classified as a Class A drug-ensuring free access in line with the WHO's definition of an essential medicine. This paper explores the ongoing controversy and the barriers limiting access to IVM.