A new threat to children: Melioidosis

Abstract

Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, usually seen in tropical countries of South East Asia and Northern Australia. Though many cases are reported in adults from western coast of India, the same is not true for children. We report here four cases of Melioidosis; a preterm neonate, two 2 year olds and 9 year old child. While three cases had bacteremic melioidosis with presentation as Respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia and fever respectively, fourth case presented as bilateral lymphadenitis. All were treated successfully with intensive therapy of Meropenem or ceftazidime followed with eradication therapy of co-trimoxazole. At the end of treatment, all were completely cured. An understanding of the local epidemiology & geographical factors along with awareness and high suspicion of index among microbiologists and paediatricians with laboratory strengthening will aid in early diagnosis and prompt treatment thereby reducing the disease mortality.