Melioidosis or also as known as Whitmore's disease is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei which can be found in soil and water. Melioidosis can infect humans or animals. Melioidosis were frequently reported in climate area especially in SEA (South East Asia), North Australia, West Africa and South America. Melioidosis infection commonly involves the lungs and also similar to glander disease, which is passed to humans from infected domestic animals. The bacterium that causes the disease is found in the soil, rice paddies, and stagnant waters of the area. People acquire the disease by inhaling dust contaminated by the bacteria and when the contaminated soil and the infection most commonly occurs during rainy season.
It is very rare for people to get the disease from another person. While a few cases have been documented, contaminated soil and surface water remain the primary way in which people become infected.
Besides humans, many animal species are susceptible to melioidosis such as sheep, goats, swine, horses, cats, dogs and cattle.
- Symptoms
- Melioidosis has many range of signs and symptoms and usually can be mistaken for other disease such as tuberculosis or pneumonia.
- Localized pain or swelling, fever, ulceration, abscess, cough, chest pain, high fever, massive headace, anorexia, respiratory disease, abdominal discomfort, joint pain, muscle tenderness, disorientation, weight loss, stomach or chest pain, muscle or joint pain, headache, seizures.
- Major risk factors to from Melioidosis
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Thalassemia
- Chronic Lung disease
- Cancer or another immune-suppressing condition other than HIV
Melioidosis were greatly reported in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
Melioidosis can be diagnose with microscopic evaluation of a blood,urine sputum or skin-lesion test sample in the laboratory and blood test is useful to detect early acute cases of melioidosis.
- Prevention
- Persons with open skin wounds or diabetes or chronic renal disease should prevent themselves by avoiding contact with soil and standing water.
- Agricultural workers or health care workers should wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as boots, gloves, mask to prevent infection through skin and inhalation.
