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Published on: August 9, 2011
Acute melioidosis outbreak in Western Australia
T J Inglis1, S C Garrow, C Adams
1Western Australian Centre for Pathology and Medical Research (PathCentre), Australia.
Epidemiology and Infection
|February 29, 2000
Summary
A cluster of acute melioidosis cases in Western Australia was linked to a single strain of Burkholderia pseudomallei. Environmental factors, including water supply, were investigated as potential sources for this infectious disease outbreak.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Environmental Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is endemic in tropical regions.
- A temporal and geographical cluster of acute melioidosis cases presented a unique research opportunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the environmental factors contributing to a cluster of acute melioidosis cases.
- To identify the source of Burkholderia pseudomallei responsible for the outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Molecular typing using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of XbaI chromosomal DNA digests.
- Isolation and PFGE analysis of Burkholderia pseudomallei from clinical and environmental samples.
- Investigation of potential environmental factors including water supply, chlorine levels, seismic activity, and wind patterns.
Main Results:
- A single PFGE type of Burkholderia pseudomallei was identified in five acute melioidosis cases.
- The same PFGE type was isolated from a domestic tap of an asymptomatic seroconverter.
- Potential contributing environmental factors included acidic water, low chlorine levels, an earth tremor, and strong winds.
Conclusions:
- The study identified a single environmental source of Burkholderia pseudomallei responsible for a melioidosis outbreak.
- The potable water supply is a likely source, with environmental conditions potentially facilitating bacterial survival and transmission.
- Further investigation into the role of the water supply in B. pseudomallei transmission is warranted.
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