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Simplified Whole Body Plethysmography to Characterize Lung Function During Respiratory Melioidosis
Published on: February 24, 2023
Melioidosis in a tropical city state, Singapore
Tong Jen Lo1, Li Wei Ang, Lyn James
1Ministry of Health, Singapore. lo_tong_jen@moh.gov.sg
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|October 29, 2009
Abstract:
The incidence of melioidosis in Singapore decreased during 1998-2007, with the exception of the first quarter of 2004. After heavy rainfalls, an increase in pneumonic cases with a high case-fatality rate was detected. We show that melioidosis has the potential to reemerge following adverse climate events.
Insights
Melioidosis incidence in Singapore declined from 1998-2007, except in early 2004. Heavy rainfall preceded a rise in deadly pneumonic melioidosis cases, indicating climate event reemergence potential.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Climate Change Impact
Background:
- Melioidosis, a significant infectious disease, presents varied incidence patterns.
- Understanding environmental triggers is crucial for public health surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze melioidosis incidence trends in Singapore from 1998 to 2007.
- To investigate the correlation between adverse climate events and melioidosis outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of melioidosis case data.
- Correlation analysis with meteorological data, specifically rainfall.
Main Results:
- Overall decrease in melioidosis incidence during the study period.
- A notable exception occurred in early 2004, following heavy rainfall.
- Increased incidence of pneumonic melioidosis with high fatality rates was observed post-rainfall.
Conclusions:
- Melioidosis incidence can decrease over time but is susceptible to resurgence.
- Adverse climate events, such as heavy rainfall, can trigger outbreaks of severe melioidosis.
- Climate-sensitive infectious disease surveillance is essential for predicting and mitigating melioidosis reemergence.
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