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Updated: May 10, 2026

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Simplified Whole Body Plethysmography to Characterize Lung Function During Respiratory Melioidosis
Published on: February 24, 2023
Melioidosis as a consequence of sporting activity
Audrey A Hill1, Mark Mayo, Mirjam Kaestli
1Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. audrey.hill@menzies.edu.au
Summary
Burkholderia pseudomallei, the cause of melioidosis, is common in Darwin sports field soil. However, infections linked to these fields are rare, even in athletes with injuries.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Infectious disease epidemiology
Background:
- Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is endemic in tropical Northern Australia.
- Sports fields are potential environmental reservoirs for B. pseudomallei.
Observation:
- Soil samples from Darwin sports fields showed a high prevalence (70%) of B. pseudomallei during the dry season.
- Despite high environmental detection, only 0.6% of melioidosis cases were linked to sports fields over 23 years.
Findings:
- Genetic analysis confirmed a direct link between B. pseudomallei from a soccer player's skin infection and soil from the injury site on a sports field.
- Melioidosis remains an uncommon infection among healthy individuals participating in sports in endemic areas.
Implications:
- While B. pseudomallei is widespread in sports field soil, the risk of infection appears low.
- Clinicians should consider melioidosis in individuals with skin injuries involving soil contact in endemic regions, particularly athletes.
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