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Melioidosis in southern India: epidemiological and clinical profile

K Saravu1, C Mukhopadhyay, S Vishwanath

  • 1Department of Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Karnataka, India. kavithasaravu@yahoo.com

The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|June 29, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Melioidosis is emerging in India, with a six-fold increase in cases observed. Diabetes and alcoholism are key risk factors for this infectious disease, primarily affecting adults.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is endemic in tropical regions like Thailand and Australia.
  • Recent years have seen a concerning rise in melioidosis cases in India, particularly in the southern coastal areas.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of melioidosis in southern India.
  • To identify predisposing factors and common clinical manifestations of the disease.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study was conducted on 25 culture-proven adult melioidosis cases.
  • Data were collected from patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital between June 2001 and September 2007.

Main Results:

  • A six-fold increase in melioidosis cases was noted in 2006-2007 compared to 2001.
  • Diabetes mellitus (68%) and alcoholism (28%) were the predominant predisposing factors.
  • Common clinical presentations included fever (80%), pneumonia/pleural effusion (48%), hepatomegaly (56%), and osteomyelitis/joint involvement (48%).

Conclusions:

  • Melioidosis is an emerging infectious disease in southwestern India with a potentially high incidence.
  • Early recognition and appropriate antibiotic treatment (e.g., co-amoxiclav, cotrimoxazole, ceftazidime, carbapenem) are crucial for managing melioidosis.

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