Burkholderia pseudomallei causes melioidosis, which has the potential to cause fulminant sepsis and multiple abscesses in internal organs. Treatment is challenged by the intrinsic resistance to a wide range of antibiotics and prolonged duration of therapy. Though endemic presence of the causative agent in the soil and environment has been demonstrated, melioidosis is considered as an emerging infection in India. It affects both humans and animals. Southeast Asia and northern parts of Australia are the endemic regions.
Sporadic cases have been reported from India. But rising awareness of the disease has increased the number of epidemiological studies undertaken. Though exact prevalence may not be known, several institution based studies have determined the likely epidemiological picture of the disease. Seropositivity of29% has been reported in a study along the western coast. 41%…
