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Updated: Jul 5, 2025
Simplified Whole Body Plethysmography to Characterize Lung Function During Respiratory Melioidosis
Published on: February 24, 2023
Paediatric melioidosis
Olivia Jarrett1, Soputhirith Seng2, Dominic A Fitzgerald3
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia.
Abstract:
Melioidosis is a tropical infectious disease caused by the saprophytic gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Despite the infection being endemic in southeast Asia and northern Australia, the broad clinical presentations and diagnostic difficulties limit its early detection, particularly in children. Melioidosis more commonly affects the immunocompromised and adults. Melioidosis is increasingly being diagnosed around the world and whole-genome sequencing indicates that these cases are not linked with travel to endemic areas. Research has concentrated on the adult population with limited experience reported in the care of this uncommon, but potentially fatal condition in children presenting with bacteraemia and pneumonia.
Insights
Melioidosis, a tropical disease from Burkholderia pseudomallei, is hard to diagnose in children. This potentially fatal infection requires more research for pediatric cases, especially those with pneumonia and bloodstream infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Melioidosis is a tropical infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei.
- It is endemic in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia but increasingly diagnosed globally.
- The condition presents broadly and is difficult to diagnose, especially in children, often affecting immunocompromised adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges of Melioidosis in children.
- To emphasize the need for increased awareness and research in pediatric Melioidosis.
- To address the limited reported experience in managing pediatric cases with severe manifestations like bacteraemia and pneumonia.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on pediatric Melioidosis cases.
- Analysis of clinical presentations and diagnostic challenges.
- Review of treatment outcomes and management strategies.
Main Results:
- Melioidosis in children often presents with non-specific symptoms, complicating early diagnosis.
- Bacteraemia and pneumonia are significant complications in pediatric Melioidosis.
- Global diagnoses are increasing, with genetic evidence suggesting non-travel related origins.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis of Melioidosis in children is crucial but challenging.
- Further research and clinical experience are needed for effective pediatric Melioidosis management.
- Increased global awareness is necessary to combat this potentially fatal disease in pediatric populations.
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