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Exotic pulmonary infections
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Pond Street, London, NW3 2QG, UK.
Abstract:
Pulmonary infections are the commonest type of illnesses seen in everyday practice. Although most infections are caused by a few familiar pathogens, an increase in global travel has led to the occurrence of rare and exotic diseases that often do not manifest until after the traveller returns home. Previously innocuous organisms may also be the cause of exotic infections in patients undergoing transplantation, or very aggressive immunosupression. Such treatment regimes may reactivate quiescent organisms acquired years previously, for example melioidosis and strongyloides stercoralis. In most developed countries there is also an increasing incidence of zoonotic infections, with a number of these presenting with mainly pulmonary symptoms. A carefully taken history of recent travel, exposure to wild or domestic animals or the presence of immunosuppression, is extremely helpful in identifying problematic infections that fall into the realm of the exotic. This review discusses some of the respiratory infections in each of these groups with an emphasis on imported infections.
Insights
This review highlights the rise of exotic pulmonary infections due to global travel and immunosuppression. Early identification through travel and exposure history is crucial for diagnosing these rare respiratory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Travel Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary infections are common, but global travel and immunosuppression increase the risk of rare and exotic pathogens.
- Organisms like melioidosis and strongyloides stercoralis can reactivate in immunocompromised patients, including transplant recipients.
- Zoonotic infections with pulmonary symptoms are also increasing in developed countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review respiratory infections caused by exotic pathogens.
- To emphasize the importance of travel history in diagnosing imported infections.
- To discuss zoonotic infections presenting with pulmonary symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on imported and exotic respiratory infections.
- Analysis of case studies and epidemiological data.
- Emphasis on clinical presentation and diagnostic challenges.
Main Results:
- Global travel facilitates the introduction of rare pathogens causing pulmonary disease.
- Immunosuppression, including transplantation, reactivates latent infections.
- Zoonotic infections are an increasing cause of pulmonary illness.
Conclusions:
- A detailed travel and exposure history is vital for identifying exotic pulmonary infections.
- Awareness of less common pathogens is essential for effective patient management.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical for favorable outcomes in imported respiratory diseases.