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[Glanders, melioidosis and biowarfare]

Amélie Guilhot1, François Bricaire, Philippe Bossi

  • 1Service de maladies infectieuses et tropicales Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47-83, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France.

Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|February 3, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Glanders and melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia species bacteria, are tropical infectious diseases with severe pulmonary and septicemic forms. These bacteria are considered potential bioweapons due to easy aerosolization and past use in warfare.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriology
  • Tropical Medicine

Context:

  • Glanders and melioidosis are infectious diseases caused by Burkholderia species bacteria.
  • These infections are endemic in tropical regions.
  • They present a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations.

Purpose:

  • To detail the common factors, clinical presentations, and biowarfare potential of glanders and melioidosis.
  • To outline European guidelines for treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis.
  • To raise awareness of Burkholderia species as potential biological warfare agents.

Summary:

  • The most frequent clinical presentation is the pulmonary form, mimicking tuberculosis.
  • The septicemic form is severe, with a nearly 50% mortality rate.
  • Burkholderia species require few organisms to cause disease via aerosolization, a potential route for deliberate release.

Impact:

  • Highlights the significant public health threat posed by Burkholderia species in tropical regions.
  • Emphasizes the need for preparedness against potential bioterrorism or biological warfare involving these agents.
  • Provides essential information on management and prophylaxis based on European guidelines.

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