Melioidosis, a severe bacterial disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, poses a significant threat to India's public health due to its "Great Mimicker" nature, necessitating prolonged antibiotic treatment and gaining relevance in climate change and environmental mapping.
Copyright infringement not intended
Picture Courtesy: DOWNTOEARTH
Turakapalem village in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, faced a public health emergency after 29 deaths linked to melioidosis.
Melioidosis, also known as Whitmore's disease, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei.
It is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, endemic in Southeast Asia, where the bacterium lives naturally in contaminated soil and fresh water.
Transmission: Spreads through direct contact with contaminated soil or water. Person-to-person transmission is rare.
Symptoms: Varies by infection site, mimicking pneumonia, tuberculosis, or sepsis. Common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, skin ulcers, joint pain.
Risk Factors: Higher risk for adults aged 40–60 with conditions like diabetes, chronic kidney or lung disease, or weakened immunity. Farmers and those working with soil/water are also vulnerable.
Treatment: Involves two phases: intravenous antibiotics (e.g., ceftazidime) for at least two weeks, followed by oral antibiotics (e.g., trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) for three months or more.
Source: DOWNTOEARTH
|
PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What is the causative agent of melioidosis? A) Pseudomonas aeruginosa B) Mycobacterium tuberculosis C) Burkholderia pseudomallei D) Escherichia coli Answer: C Explanation: Burkholderia pseudomallei is the gram-negative bacterium that causes melioidosis. |
Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, found in soil and water.
Through direct contact with contaminated soil or water via skin cuts, inhalation of dust/water droplets, or ingestion.
Because its symptoms resemble other diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia, or septicemia, making diagnosis difficult.
© 2025 iasgyan. All right reserved