What disease is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei?

Melioidosis, also called Whitmore’s disease, is an infectious disease that can infect humans or animals. The disease is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is predominately a disease of tropical climates, especially in Southeast Asia and northern Australia where it is widespread.

What is the most likely route of natural infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei melioidosis )?

The most common route of infection with melioidosis is through direct contact with contaminated soil and water, especially though open wounds on the skin. Humans and animals can also acquire the infection by inhaling dust particles or water droplets or ingesting water that is contaminated.

How is Burkholderia pseudomallei transmitted?

It’s a deadly condition that can affect both humans and animals. The cause of this infection is the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which can be spread through contact with contaminated water and soil.

How is Burkholderia pseudomallei treated?

Antimicrobial Therapy Treatment similar to that for melioidosis is probably most appropriate i.e. high-dose ceftazidime (120 mg/kg/day) or imipenem (50 mg/kg/day).

What is the mortality rate of melioidosis?

Melioidosis is endemic throughout Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Caused by the environmental gram-negative bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei, melioidosis can manifest as bacteremia, abscesses, or pneumonia. A case-fatality rate of >50% has been reported (1).

Can you cure melioidosis?

When a melioidosis infection is diagnosed, the disease can be treated with the use of appropriate medication. The type of infection and the course of treatment will impact long-term outcome.

What is the mortality rate for patients with melioidosis?

A significant number of melioidosis patients died from the disease, and overall, the total mortality rate was around 21%.

How is Burkholderia diagnosed?

Diagnosis. Melioidosis is diagnosed by isolating Burkholderia pseudomallei from blood, urine, sputum, skin lesions, or abscesses; or by detecting an antibody response to the bacteria.

Is there a cure for melioidosis?

Some patients with very mild infections can probably be cured by oral agents alone. Ceftazidime is the mainstay of acute-phase treatment, with carbapenems reserved for severe infections or treatment failures and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (co-amoxiclav) as second-line therapy.

Can melioidosis be cured?

What are the symptoms of melioidosis?

Symptoms of disseminated melioidosis infection include fever, weight loss, stomach or chest pain, muscle or joint pain, headache, and seizures. localised infections may present with pain, localised swelling, skin infection, ulceration, and abscess formation (with associated fever and muscle aches and pains).

How can melioidosis be prevented?

To prevent melioidosis, people should take the following measures:

1. Avoid contact with contaminated soil.
2. Wear appropriate protective clothing or footwear when participating in activities with possible contact with soil or water, e.g. use gloves and wear boots.
3. Wash or shower after exposure to contaminated water or soil.