Endemic Thoracic Infections in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia lies between the tropics with generally warm temperatures all year round and heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. This hot and humid weather, together with climate change, massive globalization, urbanization, and increased population density in Southeast Asian cities including Singapore, provide an ideal environment for pathogenic organisms to flourish and accelerate the spread of contagious diseases. This review highlights the viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections that are endemic in Southeast Asia, with particular focus on pulmonary tuberculosis that has distinct radiological patterns.