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Simplified Whole Body Plethysmography to Characterize Lung Function During Respiratory Melioidosis
Published on: February 24, 2023
Pulmonary melioidosis in Cambodia: a prospective study
Blandine Rammaert1, Julien Beauté, Laurence Borand
1Institut Pasteur - Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
BMC Infectious Diseases
|May 17, 2011
Summary
Melioidosis, a disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, has a high fatality rate in Cambodia due to limited access to effective antibiotics and under-recognition. This study highlights the critical need for improved diagnosis and treatment strategies for this endemic infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is endemic in Southeast Asia but poorly documented in Cambodia.
- This study reports the first series of hospitalized pulmonary melioidosis cases in Cambodia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of melioidosis patients in Cambodia.
- To assess the cost-of-illness and long-term outcomes of melioidosis.
Main Methods:
- Surveillance of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) in two provincial hospitals.
- Detection of B. pseudomallei in sputum or blood cultures.
- Follow-up of cases for 6 months to 2 years post-discharge.
Main Results:
- 39 ALRI cases with melioidosis identified between 2007-2010, with a median age of 46 years and 56.4% males.
- High mortality rate (61.5%), with most deaths occurring early and often without effective antibiotics.
- Significant financial burden on patients, with many incurring debt or selling assets.
Conclusions:
- High fatality rate attributed to lack of effective antibiotics and under-recognition by clinicians.
- Inappropriate therapy due to delayed or missed diagnosis contributes to poor outcomes.
- Urgent need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for melioidosis in Cambodia.
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