Pre-hospital time delays in imported malaria diagnosis in hospitalized sub-Saharan travelers and migrants: not only on the patient’s shoulders

• DOI: 10.1007/s15010-024-02436-1
• Publication Date: 2024-11-18T17:41:23Z
• Authors: Nerea Castillo-Fe...; Manuel Jesús Sori...; Ana Belén Lozano-...; José Vázquez-Vill...; María Pilar Luzón...; María Isabel Cabe...; Cristina Ocaña-Lo...; Rosario Pérez-Moyano; Joaquín Salas-Cor...
• Keywords: Rapid diagnostic test

To analyze the diagnostic delay in malaria related to misdiagnosis at first medical visit and its association with risk of severe non-endemic areas. Retrospective observational study sub-Saharan migrants imported from January-2010 December-2022. Patients were allocated two groups depending on if was suspected or not. Time delays seeking healthcare, (time between attending a facility diagnosis malaria) total onset symptoms calculated. 297 patients included analysis. At visit, misdiagnosed 137 (46.1%). Medical larger for group than those properly diagnosed (p < 0.001). Although time healthcare shorter group, presence suggesting symptoms, such as fever, lower 0.050). Misdiagnosis more frequent emergency rooms linked primary For overall population (n = 297), mainly due healthcare. Initial associated higher (adjusted OR 2.23 [1.09–5.10], p 0.031). In area high rate malaria, percentage is surprisingly high. longer malaria. It seems necessary redesign training programs improve knowledge among professionals actions targeted travelers promote advice promptly.