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Melioidosis, an environmental and occupational hazard in Thailand

T Thummakul1, H Wilde, T Tantawichien

  • 1Department of Medicine, Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital (Royal Thai Air Force Medical Center), Bangkok, Thailand.

Military Medicine
|September 25, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Melioidosis, a tropical disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomellei, can lead to severe sepsis and organ damage. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing severe outcomes in affected patients.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Tropical Medicine
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Melioidosis is a significant tropical environmental hazard caused by Burkholderia pseudomellei.
  • It presents with diverse clinical manifestations, including pulmonary disease, abscesses, meningitis, and sepsis.

Observation:

  • The disease disproportionately affects adults, individuals with diabetes, and those with chronic renal disease, but can occur in healthy individuals and children.
  • Burkholderia pseudomellei is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia and sepsis in endemic regions like northeastern Thailand.

Findings:

  • Melioidosis can reactivate years after the initial infection, presenting as chronic or acute life-threatening illness.
  • Increasing global travel means patients may develop reactivation melioidosis in non-endemic areas decades after exposure.

Implications:

  • Seven patient cases presenting to a Bangkok tertiary care facility between 1995 and 1997 highlight the challenges of diagnosing reactivation melioidosis.
  • Increased awareness of melioidosis is essential for enabling early diagnosis and prompt treatment, thereby reducing patient morbidity and mortality.

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