About this topic
Melioidosis is caused by a germ that often stays in dirt and water. This disease is most often found in tropical areas. You may have a sore on your skin or a scrape. If the sore comes in contact with dirt or water that is contaminated, you may get this illness. You may also breathe in or swallow water with the germ in it. Very rarely is this illness spread from one person to another. ‚
What are the causes?
This infection is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is a germ that is found in soil and water. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are at a higher risk if you work outside without proper protection. Working in a dusty or dirty place also raises your risk. Some examples are people who work in construction, building roads, or on farms. Military who are on field maneuvers are also at a higher risk. Where you live or travel may also put you at a greater risk. Tropical areas like Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and Central America have more of this germ. So do parts of Mexico and South America. Having a serious illness like high blood sugar or HIV may raise your chance for getting this disease. ‚
What are the main signs?
You may start showing signs within 1 to 3 weeks after coming in contact with this germ. Some people do not show any signs for years. This germ can infect your lungs. It may also infect your skin or your bloodstream. Some people have a generalized infection. Lung signs are the most common. You may have a cough and chest pain. High fever, chills, and a loss of appetite are common with lung signs. ‚
If you have a skin infection, you may have a pus-filled abscess on your skin. The skin may be red and swollen. You may also have a fever and muscle aches. ‚
Blood stream infections will often give you more severe signs. You may have problems breathing and high fever. You may also have belly pain, headaches, and muscle aches. Some people become confused if they have a blood stream infection. ‚
Some people may also have an infection throughout their body. With this, they may have many small abscesses on their internal organs. Fevers, chest and belly pain are also signs if you have this kind of infection. So are muscle and joint pain, headaches, and seizures. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. You may be asked about any traveling you have done. The doctor will listen to your lungs and may order tests like: ‚
- Culture of fluid from any wounds you may have
- Lab tests
- X-ray
- CT scan
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Doctors treat this illness with drugs. Most often, the drugs are given through an I.V. line at first. Later, you may be able to take pills. It is important to take your drugs as ordered by your doctor. You may need to take your drugs for 3 to 6 months.
- Your doctor will help you learn how to care for any wounds you may have.
- Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
If your lungs are affected and pus formed inside the lungs, your doctor may remove some of the lungs lobes where the pus formed. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
This infection may spread to other organs like your heart or brain. It may also spread to your liver, kidneys, or joints. There may be serious harm to these parts. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Stop smoking. Smoking can make your signs worse.
- Eat healthy foods. This can help your body stay strong. Good eating habits are very important when you are sick. Talk to a dietician about good foods to eat when you are not feeling well.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Lower fever
- Help you breathe easier
- Help with pain
What problems could happen?
- Pus in the lungs
- The infection can spread to the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, joints, blood, and eyes. It can cause serious damage to these organs. Without proper care, death can happen.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- If you work in an area known to have melioidosis, wear boots or shoes high enough to prevent direct contact with soil.
- If you have an open wound on your feet or legs, wear proper shoes and clothing that can prevent soil or water from touching your wound.
- If you plan to travel to a country where melioidosis is common, ask your doctor what you need to do.
- Take extra care when working with soil and standing water if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/melioidosis/ ‚
International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers ‚
http://www.iamat.org/disease_details.cfm?id=77 ‚
Queensland Health ‚
http://access.health.qld.gov.au/hid/InfectionsandParasites/BacterialInfections/melioidosis_is.asp ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚