title: Skin and subcutaneous infections in south-east Asia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We reviewed current literature on four different skin and subcutaneous infections which are often touted as 'emerging diseases' of south-east Asia, namely melioidosis, penicilliosis, sporotrichosis and Mycobacterium marinum infection. Lack of consensus treatment guidelines, high treatment costs and limited investigative capability in certain endemic areas are among the challenges faced by managing physicians. With the increase in borderless travelling, it is hoped that this review will facilitate better understanding and heighten the clinical suspicion of such infections for clinicians in other parts of the world.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An increasing number of cases of melioidosis and penicilliosis have been reported within and outside its endemic areas, but epidemiological data on sporotrichosis and M. marinum infections are still sparse. The clinical features of these infections remain historically unchanged and more disseminated infections are seen particularly amongst immunocompromised patients. Although tissue culture is still the gold standard, PCR provides more rapid and accurate diagnosis. Advances in therapeutics have improved outcome in certain diseases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The described spectrum of cutaneous infection in south-east Asia can be imported to other areas due to increases in worldwide travel. Clinicians from other parts of the world should be aware of the common presentations of these diseases.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Unit, Medical Department, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Norazirah Md
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Nor
authors.forename: Mazlin M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Baseri
mesh_terms: D001210:Asia, Southeastern / Q000453:epidemiology; D016957:Burkholderia pseudomallei / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D019910:Mycobacterium marinum / Q000302:isolation & purification; D010407:Penicillium / Q000302:isolation & purification; D017192:Skin Diseases, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D013175:Sporothrix / Q000302:isolation & purification