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Cochlear Implantation in the Guinea Pig
Published on: June 15, 2018
Melioidosis in Papua New Guinea and Oceania
Jeffrey M Warner1,2, Bart J Currie3,4
1Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia. jeffrey.warner@jcu.edu.au.
Abstract:
Melioidosis has only been sporadically reported throughout Melanesia and the Pacific region since the first report from Guam in 1946; therefore, its contribution to the disease burden in this region is largely unknown. However, the outcome of a small number of active surveillance programs, serological surveys, and presumptive imported cases identified elsewhere provide an insight into its epidemiology and potential significance throughout the region. Both clinical cases and environmental reservoirs have been described from the rural district of Balimo in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea and from the Northern Province of New Caledonia. In both these locations the incidence of disease is similar to that described in tropical Australia and Burkholderia pseudomallei isolates are also phylogenetically linked to Australian isolates. Serological evidence and presumptive imported cases identified elsewhere suggest that melioidosis exists in other countries throughout the Pacific. However, the lack of laboratory facilities and clinical awareness, and the burden of other infections of public health importance such as tuberculosis, contribute to the under-recognition of melioidosis in this region.
Insights
Melioidosis is under-recognized in Melanesia and the Pacific, despite evidence of its presence. Increased awareness and diagnostic capacity are crucial for understanding its impact on regional health.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Melioidosis (caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei) reporting in Melanesia and the Pacific is sporadic, leaving its disease burden largely unknown.
- Limited surveillance and case identification hinder a comprehensive understanding of melioidosis epidemiology in the region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and significance of melioidosis in Melanesia and the Pacific.
- To provide insights into the epidemiology and potential public health impact of melioidosis in the region.
Main Methods:
- Review of active surveillance programs and serological surveys.
- Analysis of presumptive imported cases identified in the region.
- Description of clinical cases and environmental reservoirs in Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.
Main Results:
- Clinical cases and environmental reservoirs of Burkholderia pseudomallei identified in Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.
- Disease incidence in these locations is comparable to tropical Australia.
- Phylogenetic analysis links regional B. pseudomallei isolates to Australian strains.
- Serological evidence and case reports suggest melioidosis presence in other Pacific nations.
Conclusions:
- Melioidosis is likely present in other Pacific countries, but under-recognized.
- Limited laboratory facilities, clinical awareness, and competing public health priorities contribute to under-diagnosis.
- Further research and enhanced diagnostic capabilities are needed to accurately assess the melioidosis burden.
