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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
07:27
Simplified Whole Body Plethysmography to Characterize Lung Function During Respiratory Melioidosis
Published on: February 24, 2023
Imported melioidosis, Israel, 2008
Avivit Cahn1, Benjamin Koslowsky, Ran Nir-Paz
1Hadassah-Hebrew University Hospital, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|November 7, 2009
Summary
Melioidosis, a serious bacterial infection, was diagnosed in an agricultural worker in Israel. This case highlights the risk of Burkholderia pseudomallei transmission and potential adverse events from chemoprophylaxis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Melioidosis is a potentially fatal infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei.
- The disease is endemic in Southeast Asia and Australia but rare in the Middle East.
- Risk factors include diabetes mellitus and exposure to contaminated soil or water.
Observation:
- A case of melioidosis was diagnosed in an agricultural worker in the southern Jordan Valley, Israel, in 2008.
- The patient presented with diabetes mellitus, fever, multiple abscesses, and osteomyelitis.
- Burkholderia pseudomallei was isolated from the patient's urine and blood samples.
Findings:
- This case represents a rare occurrence of melioidosis in Israel.
- Laboratory staff exposed to the organism were managed with chemoprophylaxis.
- Three out of four staff members who received chemoprophylaxis experienced adverse events.
Implications:
- This diagnosis suggests a potential geographic expansion or previously unrecognized presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei in the region.
- Healthcare providers in non-endemic areas should consider melioidosis in patients with relevant exposure history and compatible symptoms.
- The adverse events associated with chemoprophylaxis underscore the need for careful consideration of treatment protocols and monitoring.
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