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A Review of Melioidosis Cases in the Americas

Tina J Benoit1, David D Blaney2, Thomas J Doker1

  • 1Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Universidade de Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, Brazil; School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Australia.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|October 14, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Melioidosis, a bacterial infection, is increasingly found in the Americas, even without travel history. Burkholderia pseudomallei is widespread, with a 39% mortality rate in identified cases.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Melioidosis is a serious bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei.
  • Sporadic cases are reported in the Americas, with a rise in cases among individuals without travel history to endemic regions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and geographic distribution of melioidosis in the Americas.
  • To understand the epidemiology of Burkholderia pseudomallei infections in non-endemic regions.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of melioidosis cases.
  • Inclusion of unpublished data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • Analysis of human cases reported between 1947 and June 2015.

Main Results:

  • Identified 120 human cases of melioidosis between 1947 and 2015.
  • Determined that 95 cases (79%) were likely acquired within the Americas.
  • Reported a significant mortality rate of 39% among these cases.

Conclusions:

  • Burkholderia pseudomallei is prevalent across South, Central, and North America.
  • Melioidosis represents a growing public health concern in the Americas.
  • Further surveillance and research are needed to address the increasing incidence.

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