Latent and chronic infections imported from Southeast Asia.

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.