Melioidosis, a rare infection raises concern

Melioidosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and many species of animals. Although extremely rare in Bangladesh, it has been found recently in the soil of Kapasia, Gazipur, Kishoreganj and in some parts of Mymensingh District.
Surprisingly, researchers have found that 10% of the population of greater Mymensingh are carrying the organism in their body in dormant stage. The bacterium may become active while the immunity of the person decreases in situation like diabetes, cancer, AIDS etc.
People can get it through direct contact with contaminated soil and surface waters. Humans and animals are believed to acquire the infection by inhalation of contaminated dust or water droplets, ingestion of contaminated water, and contact with contaminated soil, especially through skin abrasions. It is very rare for people to get the disease from another person. Contaminated soil and surface water remain the primary way in which people become infected.
Disease can range from mild to severe illness. Symptoms include headache, unwillingness to eat and body aches, fever, cough (sometimes with blood) and ulceration of the nasal passages. Long term infections can occur resulting in abscesses and draining lesions in the skin or internal organs (e.g., lungs, heart, joints). If untreated, Melioidosis can be fatal.

Melioidosis is a public health problem in some part of Thailand, Northern Australia and Vietnam. Cases are also found in India, Hong Kong, South America and Africa.
A bacterium named Burkholderia pseudomallei is responsible which is found in soil and surface water of those areas. A history of contact with soil or surface water is therefore almost invariable in patients with Melioidosis.
Affected person should be admitted in hospital for treatment with intravenous antibiotic. Doctor might prescribe antibiotic for long time to eradicate the disease.
In areas where the disease is widespread, contact with contaminated soil or water can put people at risk for Melioidosis.
However, in these areas, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people can do the following things to help minimise the risk of exposure:
• Melioidosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and many species of animals. Although extremely rare in Bangladesh, it has been found recently in the soil of Kapasia, Gazipur, Kishoreganj and in some parts of Mymensingh District.
Surprisingly, researchers have found that 10% of the population of greater Mymensingh are carrying the organism in their body in dormant stage. The bacterium may become active while the immunity of the person decreases in situation like diabetes, cancer, AIDS etc.
People can get it through direct contact with contaminated soil and surface waters. Humans and animals are believed to acquire the infection by inhalation of contaminated dust or water droplets, ingestion of contaminated water, and contact with contaminated soil, especially through skin abrasions. It is very rare for people to get the disease from another person. Contaminated soil and surface water remain the primary way in which people become infected.
Disease can range from mild to severe illness. Symptoms include headache, unwillingness to eat and body aches, fever, cough (sometimes with blood) and ulceration of the nasal passages. Long term infections can occur resulting in abscesses and draining lesions in the skin or internal organs (e.g., lungs, heart, joints). If untreated, Melioidosis can be fatal.
Melioidosis is a public health problem in some part of Thailand, Northern Australia and Vietnam. Cases are also found in India, Hong Kong, South America and Africa.
A bacterium named Burkholderia pseudomallei is responsible which is found in soil and surface water of those areas. A history of contact with soil or surface water is therefore almost invariable in patients with Melioidosis.
Affected person should be admitted in hospital for treatment with intravenous antibiotic. Doctor might prescribe antibiotic for long time to eradicate the disease.
In areas where the disease is widespread, contact with contaminated soil or water can put people at risk for Melioidosis.
However, in these areas, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people can do the following things to help minimise the risk of exposure:

• Persons with open skin wounds and those with diabetes or chronic renal disease are at increased risk for Melioidosis and should avoid contact with soil and standing water.
• Those who perform agricultural work should wear boots, which can prevent infection through the feet and lower legs.
• Healthcare workers can use standard contact precautions (mask, gloves, and gown) to help prevent infection.

..............................................................
Author is a Professor of Paediatrics, Community Based Medical College (CBMC), Mymensingh.
E-mail: mmukkhan@gmail.comPersons with open skin wounds and those with diabetes or chronic renal disease are at increased risk for Melioidosis and should avoid contact with soil and standing water.
• Those who perform agricultural work should wear boots, which can prevent infection through the feet and lower legs.
• Healthcare workers can use standard contact precautions (mask, gloves, and gown) to help prevent infection.

Author is a Professor of Paediatrics, Community Based Medical College (CBMC), Mymensingh.
E-mail: mmukkhan@gmail.com