Epidemiological and clinical profile of melioidosis cases admitted in a tertiary care centre in North Kerala: a case series

Melioidosis is a bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is endemic in South East Asia and Northern Australia and is also known as Whitmore’s disease. The bacteria are present in soil and water in the endemic areas. The transmission is through contamination of wounds, ingestion and inhalation. Recent increase in melioidosis cases in a tertiary care centre since last 10 months led to this study to understand the disease profile. There were 15 cases during this period, among them ten were male (67%). The median age was 55 years. The majority had history of contact with contaminated soil and water. The median duration of symptoms was 30 days. At time of admission, they were provisionally diagnosed as pneumonia (46%) septic arthritis (27%) and Suppurative lymph node with abscess (27%). Diabetes mellitus (67%) was the most common co morbidity. Among the fifteen cases, ten were investigated for tuberculosis by CBNAAT and found negative. Majority of patients had history of contact with contaminated soil and water. So, control measures will remain as a challenge. Diabetes mellitus was the most common associated factor. Its similarity with other diseases can be a reason for delay in diagnosis.