'The tropics in our bathroom': chronic diarrhoea after return from the tropics

Interest in imported tropical diseases has increased with the rising number of travellers to the tropics. This is especially true in the case of tropical gastroenterologic disorders. The causative organisms of chronic diarrhoea are different from those causing acute diarrhoea. Bacteria are relatively unusual; parasites, e.g. Entamoeba histolytica or Giardia lamblia or an opportunistic parasitic infestation associated with an HIV infection are more likely. Furthermore, non-infectious causes, such as postinfective tropical malabsorption, lactase deficiency or coeliac disease have to be considered. Today, elderly people often undertake a journey to the tropics; in these cases the diarrhoea may be associated not only with an increased susceptibility to tropical bowel infections but also with causes previously present, such as diverticulosis, carcinoma or inflammatory bowel disease. The classification of chronic diarrhoea following a visit to the tropics is essentially the same as that for acute diarrhoea: diarrhoea with and without fever and with and without blood. In addition, malabsorption is an important feature of chronic diarrhoea.