Estimating the morbidity burden of imported chronic schistosomiasis among West African migrants in the Northern Metropolitan Area from Barcelona (Spain): a prospective community-based research.

Background: Past exposure to schistosomiasis is frequent among migrants from endemic countries, and chronic untreated infection may lead to long-term morbidities.

Methods: We carried out a prospective population-based cross-sectional study among migrants from endemic Sub-Saharan countries living in Barcelona, Spain. Participants had not been previously diagnosed or treated for schistosomiasis. Clinical signs and symptoms were scrutinised through a systematic revision of electronic medical records and an on-site standardized questionnaire, and blood and urine samples were screened for Schistosoma.