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Melioidosis acquired by traveler to Nigeria

Alex P Salam1, Nisa Khan, Henry Malnick

  • 1Guy's and St. Thomas' National Health Service Trust, London, UK.

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|July 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Melioidosis, an infection often linked to diabetes, was diagnosed in a traveler returning from Nigeria. As diabetes rates rise globally, this serious bacterial infection may become more widespread.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Tropical Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Melioidosis is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium *Burkholderia pseudomallei*.
  • Diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for developing melioidosis.
  • Geographic distribution of melioidosis is primarily in tropical regions, including Southeast Asia and Australia.

Observation:

  • A case of melioidosis is reported in a woman who had traveled to Nigeria.
  • The patient had a history of diabetes, a known predisposing factor for melioidosis.
  • This travel history suggests potential exposure in Nigeria, an area where melioidosis is less commonly reported but increasingly recognized.

Findings:

  • The clinical presentation and diagnosis of melioidosis in this traveler highlight the importance of considering the disease in patients with relevant travel history and risk factors.
  • The case underscores the potential for geographic expansion of melioidosis beyond its traditionally recognized endemic areas.

Implications:

  • The increasing global prevalence of diabetes may lead to a broader distribution of melioidosis cases.
  • Enhanced surveillance and diagnostic awareness are crucial in non-endemic regions and areas with rising diabetes rates.
  • Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of melioidosis in regions like West Africa.

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