Importance

Melioidosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and many species of animals. While some infections are subclinical, others result in localized acute or chronic disease, or fatal septicemia. Because it can affect almost any organ, melioidosis can mimic many other diseases; it is sometimes called “the great imitator. ” A misdiagnosis may be fatal; the causative organism, Burkholderia pseudomallei, is susceptible to a limited number of antibiotics. In endemic areas, melioidosis is an important cause of illness and death in humans and animals. It is also a serious concern in imported animals. In 1975, a panda apparently introduced melioidosis to the Paris Zoo, where it caused a severe outbreak. The epidemic spread to other zoos in Paris and Mulhouse, and to equestrian clubs throughout France. It decimated some zoo populations and caused at least two human deaths. In addition, there are fears that B. pseudomallei might be used as a biological weapon. Etiology Melioidosis results from infection by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a Gram negative bacillus in the family Burkholderiaceae. This organism was formerly known as Pseudomonas pseudomallei. It is closely related to Burkholderia mallei, the agent of glanders, as well as to B. thailandensis and B. oklahomensis. Geographic Distribution Melioidosis is endemic in Southeast Asia, China, the Indian subcontinent and parts of Australia. It has also been reported from the Caribbean, the Middle East