Paediatric melioidosis

Paediatr Respir Rev. 2024 Jun:50:31-37. doi: 10.1016/j.prrv.2023.11.002. Epub 2023 Nov 24.

Abstract

Melioidosis is a tropical infectious disease caused by the saprophytic gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Despite the infection being endemic in southeast Asia and northern Australia, the broad clinical presentations and diagnostic difficulties limit its early detection, particularly in children. Melioidosis more commonly affects the immunocompromised and adults. Melioidosis is increasingly being diagnosed around the world and whole-genome sequencing indicates that these cases are not linked with travel to endemic areas. Research has concentrated on the adult population with limited experience reported in the care of this uncommon, but potentially fatal condition in children presenting with bacteraemia and pneumonia.

Keywords: Bronchiectasis; Burkholderia pseudomallei; Children; Melioidosis; Pneumonia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacteremia / diagnosis
  • Bacteremia / microbiology
  • Burkholderia pseudomallei* / genetics
  • Burkholderia pseudomallei* / isolation & purification
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Melioidosis* / diagnosis

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents