摘要

Background: Melioidosis is a disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei infection. It is endemic in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. Since it%26apos;s discovery in 1911, the disease is continuously attracting attention worldwide due to high mortality rate associated with it. %26lt;br%26gt;Clinical Manifestation: The disease has a diverse range of clinical presentation as it has a potential to affect any organ system. The acquisition of the disease is determined by a number of factors, most importantly the bacterial load, and patients%26apos; underlying co-morbidities such as diabetes mellitus, thalassemia, renal disease, alcohol excess and chronic lung disease. %26lt;br%26gt;Diagnosis and treatment: The definitive diagnosis of melioidosis is made by the isolation of the bacteria from the clinical specimen, although certain serological tests are available to assist the clinical diagnosis and facilitate early therapy. The treatment of the disease can be difficult and require an extended duration of antibiotic therapy to reduce rate of relapse. %26lt;br%26gt;Conclusion: Melioidosis is increasingly becoming of a global interest due to it%26apos;s virulence and latency. The diagnosis can be challenging, although the treatment is quite straight forward albeit the need for a prolonged therapy to reduce relapse.

  • 出版日期2012-6