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Simplified Whole Body Plethysmography to Characterize Lung Function During Respiratory Melioidosis
Published on: February 24, 2023
Melioidosis in the Americas
Timothy J J Inglis1, Dionne B Rolim, Anástacio De Queiroz Sousa
1Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, PathWest Laboratory Medicine Western Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia. tim.inglis@health.wa.gov.au
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|November 25, 2006
Summary
Melioidosis, a severe bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is increasingly recognized in the Americas. Improved diagnostics and clinical awareness are crucial for addressing underdiagnosis, especially in tropical regions.
Area of Science:
- Bacteriology
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Melioidosis is a severe bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei.
- Awareness of melioidosis in the Americas has grown, particularly after the Vietnam conflict.
- Environmental conditions in tropical Central and South America favor B. pseudomallei persistence, suggesting underdiagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the growing awareness and challenges in diagnosing melioidosis in the Americas.
- To emphasize the potential for underdiagnosis in tropical regions due to environmental factors.
- To advocate for increased clinical awareness and improved laboratory diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical observations and diagnostic challenges.
- Analysis of disease patterns and environmental suitability for B. pseudomallei.
- Case cluster identification in northeastern Brazil.
Main Results:
- Melioidosis is increasingly diagnosed in the Americas, with historical links to military personnel.
- Laboratory diagnosis can be challenging if melioidosis is not considered.
- Recent case clusters in Brazil underscore the threat to rural populations.
Conclusions:
- Melioidosis is likely underdiagnosed in tropical Central and South America.
- Increased clinical awareness and enhanced laboratory diagnostic methods are essential for wider recognition.
- Addressing melioidosis requires a concerted effort in affected regions of the Americas.
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