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Simplified Whole Body Plethysmography to Characterize Lung Function During Respiratory Melioidosis
Published on: February 24, 2023
Melioidosis - A Case Series from Kerala
1Resident, Dept. of Internal Medicine, Corresponding Author.
Abstract:
Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by gram negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is a soil and water pathogen and transmitted to humans through inoculation or inhalation. This disease is considered endemic in India and largely remains under reported. The most common presentation is pneumonia and bacteraemia, which can present acutely and as septic shock. Chronic presentation include-abscess, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis. The major risk factors are diabetes, liver disease, renal disease, chronic lung disease. In this article 18 cases have been reviewed; their clinical features, treatment and outcome are discussed. This is to highlight the varied presentations, high degree of clinical suspicion needed to suspect and start empiric therapy, good microbiological support to arrive at right diagnosis and timely treatment of this infection as it carries high mortality, if left untreated. Also, this is the largest reported case series from Kerala till date.
Insights
Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is an underreported endemic infection in India. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial due to its varied presentations and high mortality risk.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by the soil and water bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei.
- It is endemic in India and often underreported, with transmission occurring through inoculation or inhalation.
- Common presentations include pneumonia, bacteremia, and septic shock, while chronic forms involve abscesses, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review 18 cases of melioidosis in Kerala, India.
- To highlight the varied clinical presentations, risk factors, and outcomes of the infection.
- To emphasize the need for high clinical suspicion, microbiological support, and timely treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series review of 18 melioidosis patients.
- Analysis of clinical features, treatment regimens, and patient outcomes.
- Discussion of diagnostic challenges and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- The study reviewed 18 cases, detailing their clinical manifestations and treatment responses.
- Identified major risk factors including diabetes, liver disease, renal disease, and chronic lung disease.
- The case series is the largest reported from Kerala to date, offering insights into local epidemiology.
Conclusions:
- Melioidosis presents with diverse clinical features, necessitating a high index of suspicion for prompt diagnosis.
- Effective management requires robust microbiological support and timely initiation of appropriate therapy.
- Early and accurate treatment is critical to reduce the high mortality associated with untreated melioidosis.
