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Abstract:
This review is intended to remind physicians of exotic infections with latency of at least one year that could cause illness in refugees or US citizens exposed in Southeast Asia. Tuberculosis, melioidosis, and leprosy are the major chronic infections of bacterial origin. Intestinal protozoa, roundworms, and flatworms are considered with regard to pathogenic, potential and duration of infection. Malaria, filariasis, and schistosomiasis may be seen on occasion. Paragonimiasis and Chinese liver fluke infections are more common and may simulate other less exotic diseases.
Insights
Physicians should be aware of chronic exotic infections like tuberculosis, melioidosis, and leprosy. These, along with parasitic infections, can cause illness in individuals exposed in Southeast Asia, even years later.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Infectious diseases
- Public health
Background:
- Refugees and US citizens returning from Southeast Asia may present with unusual, latent infections.
- Delayed-onset illnesses can mimic more common diseases, posing diagnostic challenges.
- Awareness of endemic pathogens is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and highlight significant exotic infections acquired in Southeast Asia.
- To emphasize the potential for long latency periods (≥1 year) of these infections.
- To aid physicians in diagnosing and managing these conditions in relevant patient populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on chronic bacterial and parasitic infections.
- Analysis of pathogens with significant latency periods.
- Categorization of infections by origin (bacterial, parasitic) and commonality.
Main Results:
- Key bacterial infections include tuberculosis, melioidosis, and leprosy.
- Common parasitic infections involve intestinal protozoa, roundworms, flatworms, paragonimiasis, and Chinese liver fluke.
- Less common but notable infections include malaria, filariasis, and schistosomiasis.
Conclusions:
- Exotic infections from Southeast Asia, particularly those with long latency, require vigilant clinical suspicion.
- Paragonimiasis and liver fluke infections are relatively common and can present as mimics of other diseases.
- Physicians must consider these infections in patients with relevant exposure history to ensure accurate diagnosis and management.