Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a bacterial infection thriving in warm, moist soils and water. Dubbed the "great mimicker," it produces diverse symptoms from skin infections to severe systemic illness. In Odisha, cases peak during and after monsoons. Agricultural workers and immunocompromised individuals face higher risk, requiring prolonged antibiotics.
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Melioidosis disease in Odisha follows a seasonal pattern, peaking during and after the monsoon season.
Melioidosis is a bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a Gram-negative bacterium found in soil and water, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
It is often called the "great mimicker" because its symptoms can resemble many other common illnesses, making diagnosis challenging.
It is endemic in Southeast Asia and northern Australia, but cases have also been reported in other regions, including parts of the United States, Africa, and the Middle East. The bacteria grow in warm, moist environments with soil moisture above 10%.
Ranging from localized skin infections to severe, life-threatening systemic infections.
Common symptoms include fever, cough, chest pain, headache, shortness of breath, sores or abscesses, and swollen lymph nodes. Some individuals may have asymptomatic or subclinical infections.
Agricultural workers, construction workers, and military personnel, are at higher risk.
Individuals with conditions like diabetes, kidney or liver disease, chronic lung disease, and other immune-compromising conditions are also more susceptible.
Diagnosis involves culturing the bacteria from blood, pus, or other samples. Chest X-rays or CT scans can help visualize lung involvement.
Melioidosis is treated with antibiotics, commonly starting with intravenous ceftazidime followed by oral antibiotics.
The treatment has two phases: an intensive phase to control the infection and an eradication phase to prevent recurrence, which can last 12 to 20 weeks.
Prevention involves avoiding contact with contaminated soil and water, especially in endemic areas.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following statements about Burkholderia pseudomallei:
Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only B) 3 only C) 2 only D) 1, 2 and 3 only Answer: D Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Burkholderia pseudomallei is classified as a Gram-negative bacterium. This means its cell wall has a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane, which does not retain the crystal violet stain during the Gram staining process. Statement 2 is correct: Burkholderia pseudomallei naturally resides in soil and stagnant water, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is endemic in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Statement 3 is correct: Burkholderia pseudomallei is the bacterium that causes the disease known as Melioidosis. This potentially serious and fatal disease can manifest in various forms, including localized infection, pneumonia, sepsis, and chronic infection. |
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