From Pharmacotherapy

International Adoption: Issues in Infectious Diseases
Posted 10/25/2006

Dana D. Staat, Pharm.D.; Michael E. Klepser, Pharm.D., FCCP

Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
International adoptions have become increasingly common in the United
States. Children awaiting international adoption and families traveling to
adopt these children can be exposed to a variety of infectious diseases.
Compared with the United States, foreign countries often have different
immunization practices and methods of diagnosing, treating, and monitoring
disease. Reporting of medical conditions can also differ from that of the
United States. The prevalence of infectious diseases varies from country to
country and may or may not be common among adopted children. The
transmission of tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and measles from adopted children
to family members has been documented. Furthermore, infectious organisms
(e.g., intestinal parasites), bacterial pathogens (e.g., Bordetella
pertussis and Treponema pallidum), and viruses (e.g., human immunodeficiency
virus and hepatitis viruses) may cause clinically significant morbidity and
mortality among infected children. Diseases such as severe acute respiratory
syndrome or avian influenza have not been reported among international
adoptees, but transmission is possible if infection is present. Family
members may be infected by others during travel or by their adopted child
after returning home. Families preparing to adopt a child from abroad should
pay special attention to the infectious diseases they may encounter and to
the precautions they should take on returning home.

http://www.medscape .com/viewarticle /545632?src= mp



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