Melioidosis in Malaysia

Puthucheary, Savithri Devi (2009) Melioidosis in Malaysia. Medical Journal of Malaysia, 64 (4). pp. 266-274. ISSN 0300-5283, DOI 20954549.

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Official URL: http://www.e-mjm.org/2009/v64n4/Melioidosis.pdf

Abstract

Melioidosis is an important cause of sepsis in the tropics, is caused by an environmental saprophyte--B. pseudomallei. It affects mainly adults with underlying predisposing condition such as diabetes. The range of symptoms varies from benign and localized abscesses, to severe community-acquired pneumonia to acute fulminating septicaemia with multiple abscesses often leading to death. B. pseudomallei is an intracellular pathogen and some of the virulence mechanisms that govern the complex interaction between the organism and the host have been elucidated. Isolation of B. pseudomallei from bodily fluids of patients remains the "gold standard" in diagnosis but a sensitive and specific serological test can lend support to the diagnosis of melioidosis. Ceftazidime is the treatment of choice for severe melioidosis, but the response is slow. Maintenance or eradication therapy for a prolonged period is necessary to prevent relapse and recurrence. Monitoring IgG antibody levels may be useful as a guideline to determine the duration of eradication therapy.

Item Type: Article
Funders: UNSPECIFIED
Additional Information: Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. puthu@um.edu.my
Uncontrolled Keywords: Melioidosis; Burkholderia pseudomallei; Malaysia
Subjects: R Medicine
Divisions: Faculty of Medicine
Depositing User: Mr. Faizal Hamzah
Date Deposited: 25 May 2011 02:19
Last Modified: 16 Oct 2020 03:33
URI: http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/1337

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