Table of Contents
- Melioidosis, also called Whitmore’s Disease, is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Burkholderia pseudomallei (previously known as Pseudomonas pseudomallei)
- The bacteria are found in contaminated water and soil and spread to humans and animals through direct contact with the contaminated source
Accordingly, Can melioidosis be cured? When a melioidosis infection is diagnosed, the disease can be treated with the use of appropriate medication The type of infection and the course of treatment will impact long-term outcome
What is the mortality rate for patients with melioidosis? A significant number of melioidosis patients died from the disease, and overall, the total mortality rate was around 21%
How long can you have melioidosis? It can range from one day to many years, but generally symptoms appear two to four weeks after exposure Although healthy people may get melioidosis, underlying medical conditions may increase the risk of disease The major risk factors are: Diabetes
Further, How do you test for melioidosis? Diagnosis Melioidosis is diagnosed by isolating Burkholderia pseudomallei from blood, urine, sputum, skin lesions, or abscesses; or by detecting an antibody response to the bacteria
Can you live with melioidosis?
Melioidosis is a disease that strikes fear in those who’ve heard of it Doctors in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia know it as a stubborn, potentially deadly infection that causes pneumonia, abscesses and, in the most severe cases, organ failure Without treatment, it can kill within 48 hours
Is melioidosis fatal?
Melioidosis has a wide range of nonspecific symptoms like fever, joint pain, and headaches and can cause conditions that include pneumonia, abscess formation, or blood infections Worldwide, melioidosis is fatal in 10 – 50% of those infected
Is melioidosis contagious?
Melioidosis is a highly contagious disease primarily infecting people in areas with agriculture and farming
How do you catch melioidosis?
Humans and animals are believed to acquire the infection by inhalation of contaminated dust or water droplets, ingestion of contaminated water, and ingestion of soil-contaminated food or other contact with contaminated soil, especially through skin abrasions
How common is melioidosis?
Melioidosis is a rare disease in the United States, but it is common in tropical or subtropical areas of the world, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australia The signs and symptoms of the disease can vary greatly and may mimic those of tuberculosis or common forms of pneumonia
