Melioidosis: insights into the pathogenicity of Burkholderia pseudomallei

W. Joost Wiersinga, Tom van der Poll, Nicholas J. White, Nicholas P. Day, Sharon J. Peacock

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

491 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a potential bioterror agent and the causative agent of melioidosis, a severe disease that is endemic in areas of Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. Infection is often associated with bacterial dissemination to distant sites, and there are many possible disease manifestations, with melioidosis septic shock being the most severe. Eradication of the organism following infection is difficult, with a slow fever-clearance time, the need for prolonged antibiotic therapy and a high rate of relapse if therapy is not completed. Mortality from melioidosis septic shock remains high despite appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Prevention of disease and a reduction in mortality and the rate of relapse are priority areas for future research efforts. Studying how the disease is acquired and the host-pathogen interactions involved will underpin these efforts; this review presents an overview of current knowledge in these areas, highlighting key topics for evaluation
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)272-282
JournalNature reviews. Microbiology
Volume4
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006

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