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Updated: Sep 6, 2026
Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
Published on: July 11, 2016
[Epidemiology of melioidosis in China]
1Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences PLA, Beijing.
Abstract:
From 1975 to 1989, a total of 73 strains of P. pseudomallei was isolated from the water samples and the pathological samples of human and domestic animals in 13 counties and cities located different latitude from four provinces Qiong, Yue, Gui and Xiang in China. Serological investigation demonstrated that the geographical distribution of the organism had a significant correlation with the positive rate of antibodies against P. pseudomallei and the native foci of the organisms distributed over the southern subtropical zone and the edge of tropical zone in Qiong, Yue and Gui. In endemic areas, the positive rates of antibodies against P. pseudomallei in human-beings, horses, oxen and pigs are 3.8%-15.2%, 9.1%-18.4%, 6.6%-33.0% and 35% respectively. The investigation results showed the horses and mules infected by the organism would interfere with quarantine of the animals, meanwhile, the meat contaminated by the bacterium would endanger the public health. In Sept. and Oct. of 1989, three cases in Zhanjiang and Sanya of Hainan were reported, two cases died of acute melioidosis with septicemia, another case was the chronic leg ulcers. So, it was predicated that there could have some cases of melioidosis which were misdiagnosed or missed out.
Insights
Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is endemic in southern China. This study identified environmental and animal reservoirs, highlighting risks to animal quarantine and public health from contaminated meat.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Melioidosis is a significant zoonotic disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei.
- The organism's presence in water and animal reservoirs poses public health and animal quarantine challenges.
- Previous research on melioidosis distribution in China was limited.
Purpose:
- To investigate the geographical distribution and prevalence of Burkholderia pseudomallei in southern China.
- To assess the serological evidence of infection in human and animal populations.
- To evaluate the implications for public health and animal quarantine.
Summary:
- 73 strains of Burkholderia pseudomallei were isolated from water and pathological samples across four Chinese provinces between 1975 and 1989.
- Serological data revealed a correlation between geographical distribution and antibody prevalence, with foci in subtropical and tropical zones.
- Antibody rates in humans ranged from 3.8%-15.2%, while in animals, they varied from 6.6% (oxen) to 35% (pigs).
- Horses and mules infected with B. pseudomallei pose quarantine issues, and contaminated meat presents a public health risk.
- Three melioidosis cases, including two fatal septicemic cases and one with chronic leg ulcers, were reported in Hainan in 1989, suggesting potential underdiagnosis.
Impact:
- This study establishes the endemicity of melioidosis in southern China and identifies key environmental and animal reservoirs.
- Findings underscore the importance of robust animal quarantine measures and food safety protocols to mitigate public health risks.
- The reported cases and predicted underdiagnosis highlight the need for increased clinical awareness and diagnostic capabilities for melioidosis in the region.
