Exotic diseases are common

Abstract

The Canadian family physician should be aware of the steady increase in the incidence of parasitic diseases. Some are already endemic in Canada, especially in the underdeveloped areas of this country, others are being seen as travellers return, and visitors come from the tropics. This article emphasizes the need for an increasing vigilance by the family physician. An outline of lifecycle, diagnostic aids and therapy is given, together with a list of resource personnel who can help where problems arise with diagnosis or treatment. Prevention, including immunization, is discussed.