[Characteristics and Diagnostic Tests of Melioidosis]

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a resilient environmental pathogen and an etiological agent of melioidosis causing major morbidity in tropical area in the world, especially in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. Since no pathognomonic symptom exists for melioidosis, clinical diagnosis can be challenging and routine laboratory tests in clinical laboratories frequently result in misdiagnosis. Several immunological and molecular assays have been developed to improve the efficient detection of the pathogen. Despite these developments, laboratory diagnosis remains complex, and delays in treatment due to misdiagnosis often increase mortality rates. Here, we have reviewed basic characteristics of B. pseudomallei and melioidosis, examining epidemiology, risk factors, laboratory diagnosis, and treatment to provide a broad knowledge base regarding this pathogen and disease. Increasing awareness of this disease should enhance our ability to provide early confirmation of diagnosis and develop a vaccine or novel therapy.