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Two Decades of Melioidosis in India: A Comprehensive Epidemiological Review

Sriram Kannan1, Suchita Singh1, Venkat Abhiram Earny2

  • 1Division of Communicable Diseases, ICMR, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi 110029, India.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 7, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Melioidosis, a severe infection from Burkholderia pseudomallei, is rising in India, especially among those with diabetes. Increased awareness is noted, but research gaps in treatment and surveillance persist.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a significant global health concern, particularly in tropical regions.
  • It disproportionately affects individuals with pre-existing chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney, or liver disease.
  • India has seen a notable increase in melioidosis research and publications over the last two decades.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical manifestations of melioidosis in India from 2000-2024.
  • To identify trends in melioidosis research and geographic distribution within India.
  • To highlight research gaps and suggest targeted interventions for disease control.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted for studies published between 2000 and 2024.
  • Data extraction focused on prevalence, geographical distribution, risk factors, clinical symptoms, and outcomes.
  • Eight specific studies from 2010-2022 were analyzed for detailed clinical and epidemiological data.

Main Results:

  • Melioidosis publications have increased, with a concentration in Southern and Eastern India, and a rise post-2019.
  • Common symptoms include fever (86%), cough (26%), and joint pain (23%).
  • Key predisposing factors are diabetes (75%), alcohol abuse (19%), and cancer (6%), with severe manifestations like bacteremia (50%) and pneumonia (37%) observed.

Conclusions:

  • Melioidosis is an emerging public health issue in India, strongly linked to diabetes and potentially other chronic conditions.
  • While awareness and clinical research are growing, significant gaps exist in antimicrobial treatment, vaccine development, and environmental surveillance.
  • Targeted public health interventions in high-risk populations and geographical areas are crucial for effective melioidosis control.
Keywords:
IndiaSoutheast Asiadiabeteshot spotsmelioidosispovertytropical disease

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