What is melioidosis and is it dangerous for Russians?

      Melioidosis is a rare infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. The infection is most commonly found in countries with a tropical climate—Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Infection can occur through contact with contaminated soil or water if the bacteria enter the body through skin injuries. Less commonly, infection occurs through inhalation of aerosol—such as during heavy tropical rains. According to Dr. Murad Shahmardanov, a doctor of medical sciences and professor at the Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology at the Pirogov University Clinical Medicine Institute, the disease is primarily dangerous due to its unpredictable course. "The danger of melioidosis lies in the fact that the disease can manifest very differently—from a localized skin infection to severe sepsis affecting the lungs, liver, spleen, central nervous system, and other organs," explains the expert. The highest risk of severe progression is noted in people with diabetes, chronic kidney and lung diseases, immunodeficiency conditions, as well as in patients who abuse alcohol. How does the disease manifest? Symptoms depend on the form of the infection. Most commonly, patients experience: high fever; pronounced weakness; cough; chest pain; abscesses in various organs and tissues. In severe cases, the infection can quickly progress to a generalized form with the development of sepsis—a condition that poses a serious threat to life without timely treatment. An additional complication is that the symptoms of melioidosis are nonspecific. "The clinical picture may resemble pneumonia, tuberculosis, or other bacterial infections, which sometimes complicates early diagnosis," notes the specialist. Is melioidosis treatable? Yes, the disease is treatable; however, therapy is usually lengthy and requires serious medical supervision. Treatment occurs in two stages: first, the patient receives intravenous antibiotics in a hospital, followed by a long course of antibacterial therapy to prevent relapse. According to the doctor, with timely diagnosis, the likelihood of a favorable outcome significantly increases. Is there a risk of spreading the infection in Russia? According to specialists, the risk is extremely low. Transmission of melioidosis from person to person occurs very rarely. The main route of infection is related to contact with contaminated soil or water in endemic regions. "The detection of an imported case does not mean the emergence of a new infectious risk for the population," emphasizes Murad Shahmardanov. Specific natural-climatic conditions characteristic of tropical climates are needed for the sustainable spread of the pathogen. To date, there is no data on the existence of natural foci of Burkholderia pseudomallei in Russia. Therefore, as specialists note, there are no grounds for additional concern among the population. Imported cases of such infections serve more as a reminder to doctors that even rare tropical diseases should be considered when diagnosing patients who have recently returned from endemic countries.