Latest news with #B.pseudomallei
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Health
- GMA Network
EXPLAINER: What is melioidosis?
The Department of Health and Department of Agriculture have reported and are now addressing reports of melioidosis in Siquijor. First thought to be glanders disease, the DOH later confirmed the cases to be melioidosis — a potentially lethal bacterial disease that can affect both humans and animals. But what is melioidosis? According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), melioidosis or Whitmore's disease is a zoonotic disease caused by bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei, or B. pseudomallei. It is most common in tropical and subtropical areas such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Australia and may be contracted through breathing in unclean air, drinking contaminated water, or being exposed to contaminated soil. After exposure, affected humans or animals may develop symptoms within one to four weeks, with symptoms varying from cases-to-cases. The CDC said melioidosis may affect the entire body or one body system and may commonly show up as a lung infection. It may also look like an ulcer or skin sore in one area of the body. However, among of the most common symptoms of melioidosis are: Fever Headache Trouble breathing Stomach or chest pain Muscle pain Confusion Seizure There is no vaccine yet against melioidosis. Livestock raisers were advised to strictly implement sanitary protocols in their farms, and follow rules and ordinances in transporting animals. The DA reminded livestock workers, particularly those exposed to muddy or flooded environments to wear boots and gloves and other protective clothing to reduce risk of exposure to contaminated sources. The DA also reiterated its prohibition on the slaughter, sale, and consumption of sick animals. It said only animals certified by accredited veterinarians and passing inspection protocols are allowed to be sold to market. —AOL, GMA Integrated News
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Rare brain infection kills 8 in Tamil Nadu after a routine dental visit: What we need to know
In Tamil Nadu, what seemed like a routine dental treatment turned into something far more tragic, and it all started with a single bottle of saline. In 2023, a team of researchers uncovered an outbreak of neuromelioidosis, a rare brain infection caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. This bacterium is often found in contaminated soil and water in tropical regions, but this time, it had entered the human body in an unusual and alarming way, through a dental procedure. The investigation revealed that a dental clinic in Vaniyambadi town had reused an opened bottle of saline, which was initially pierced using a surgical instrument that should never have touched it — a periosteal elevator. This instrument, typically used to lift tissues during dental surgeries, was repurposed to open the bottle, and the bottle was then loosely resealed and reused. The result? At least ten patients were infected, and eight of them lost their lives. This wasn't a slow-acting illness either. The infection advanced quickly — patients died within 16 days from the onset of symptoms. Scientists traced the infection to a specific gene present in the bacteria, the bimABm gene. This gene, known for its aggressive behaviour toward the brain, gave the infection a terrifying twist. It didn't just travel through the bloodstream like most infections. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Lifetime Office 2024 License for Mumbai [Order] prime software Undo It moved along the nerve pathways, directly reaching the brainstem, the most vital part of the human nervous system. Bacteria that targets the brain The bacterium behind the outbreak, Burkholderia pseudomallei, is not new. It exists in many parts of India, particularly in southern regions, living silently in the soil and water. Normally, it infects through wounds or inhalation, but this outbreak marked a frightening shift. By entering directly through dental instruments and into the oral tissues, the bacteria found a shortcut to the central nervous system. This direct route is why the death rate was so alarmingly high, 80% among those who had dental exposure. Compared to just one death among 11 patients who were infected from environmental exposure, the contrast couldn't have been starker. What made this outbreak different from previous ones was the gene bimABm, identified in the bacterial samples. This gene isn't found in all B. pseudomallei strains, but the version seen here bore similarities to another dangerous bacterium, Burkholderia mallei, which causes glanders in animals and is known for targeting the brain. The presence of this gene may have made the strain more likely to affect the brain, leading to symptoms like slurred speech, distorted vision, facial paralysis, and in many cases, death. This wasn't a generic infection — it was a targeted assault on the body's most sensitive control system. Despite the gravity of the outbreak, no official government announcement was made at the time. It was only through scientific investigation and publication in The Lancet that the world came to know about this terrifying episode. This silence has raised serious questions about healthcare safety and transparency. Why was such a major health event, involving a deadly brain infection, high fatalities, and poor infection control practices, not disclosed earlier? Public health exists to protect lives, but when warnings come too late, prevention becomes impossible. 7 amazing health benefits of coconut water What does this teach about healthcare safety This incident is more than a scientific case study. It's a wake-up call. It shows how even a simple, everyday medical product like saline can become lethal when basic hygiene protocols are ignored. It underscores the importance of sterility in every medical setting — not just operation theatres, but even the smallest dental clinic in a town far from the spotlight. But most importantly, it shows how bacteria are evolving. What used to be rare is no longer impossible. And what used to be confined to soil can now find new, faster routes into the human brain. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
News18
6 days ago
- Health
- News18
1 Sline Bottle Claims 8 Lives In Tamil Nadu's Tirupattur District: Study
Last Updated: The symptoms of Neuromelioidosis include fever and headache followed by slurred speech, visual distortion and in some cases facial palsy. In a tragic incident, eight people died of neuromelioidosis — a bacterial infection of the brain — that they got from a dental clinic in Vaniyambadi town of Tamil Nadu's Tirupattur district in 2023, a study published in The Lancet has revealed. According to an investigation by a team of doctors from multiple organisations, including CMC Vellore, ICMR-NIE and Tamil Nadu Directorate of Public Health, the outbreak, which hasn't been reported by any government agency, has been linked to unsterile dental practices. The first author of the study, Dr Angel Miraclin Thirugnanakumar of the neurological sciences department at CMC, said that an unsterile surgical instrument called a periosteal elevator was used to open a saline bottle, which was then loosely resealed. The reuse of its contents by the clinic led to at least 10 people contracting the infection and eight of them dying, pegging the fatality rate at 80%. 'The rapid and high fatality may be because the bacteria in the saline travelled directly along nerve pathways when used to clean the patients' mouth during procedures, rather than through the bloodstream, a common route for such infections," the researcher concluded. Whole genome sequencing showed that the bacteria have a gene that aggressively attacks the brain. Neuromelioidosis is a severe central nervous system infection, affecting the brain and spinal cord, caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, commonly found in contaminated soil and water in tropical and subtropical areas. The symptoms of Neuromelioidosis include fever and headache followed by slurred speech, visual distortion and in some cases facial palsy. Researchers found 21 neuromelioidosis cases between July 2022 and April 2023, including 10 linked to a dental clinic, resulting in 9 deaths. The fatality rate was 9% among the 11 patients not linked to the clinic. State public health officials praised the study for aiding case identification and informing containment measures. 'We've halted the spread with corrective actions, and this serves as a reminder for healthcare providers to prioritise infection control," said Dr. TS Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health. On May 9, 2023, CMC reported a surge in neuromelioidosis cases linked to a dental clinic. Four days later, health officials convened a meeting with local healthcare facilities. Co-author Prabu Rajkumar from the ICMR-NIE said that a team of doctors investigated the cluster to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and identify the source of infection. 'But before doctors could visit the dental clinic to pick samples, the clinic was disinfected, the water supply was cut off, and the clinic was closed following public outcry," the authors wrote. However, scientists detected B. pseudomallei in a saline bottle sample, while unopened bottles tested negative. Further verification involved testing additional samples and conducting whole-genome sequencing. Analysis showed head and neck involvement, such as inflammation of a salivary gland (parotid gland), inner lining of cheeks (buccal mucosa), along with enlargement or swelling of one or more lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), was common in cases not linked to the dental clinic. But patients exposed to the dental clinic's contaminated saline progressed rapidly, developing facial cellulitis and soft tissue abscesses, likely due to ingestion of the contaminated solution. First Published:
The Advertiser
28-05-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
What lies beneath - sludgy waters increase the threat of the 'Mud Bug'
As floodwaters begin to recede across the Hunter and Mid North Coast, health experts are warning of a potential threat that may be less visible but no less dangerous. The deadly soil-borne disease, melioidosis, also known as the Mud Bug, is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. It has claimed dozens of lives in northern Queensland this year alone, with over 220 cases and 31 deaths reported to date. Now, experts fear the disease could pose a risk further south, including parts of the Hunter and Mid North Coast, where heavy rainfall and widespread inundation have created ideal conditions for the bacterium to surface. While there are currently no confirmed cases of melioidosis in the Macleay Valley, public awareness is key to early detection and treatment. Melioidosis is often referred to as "the great mimicker" because of its wide range of symptoms. Infections can appear as pneumonia, fever, sepsis, or non-healing skin ulcers, making it difficult to diagnose without specific testing. Left untreated, the disease can be fatal. The bacterium lives naturally in tropical soil and surface water, lying dormant in dry conditions but becoming active with heavy rainfall and flooding. Humans typically contract it through skin abrasions, inhalation of contaminated dust or water, or ingestion of untreated water. Symptoms may appear between 1-21 days after exposure, but in some cases, infection can emerge years later. Historically, melioidosis has been confined to tropical regions north of Rockhampton. However, as climate change brings warmer and wetter conditions further south, there is growing concern that B. pseudomallei could become established in new areas, including northern NSW. Researchers are tracking the organism's suspected spread, along with the spread of other pathogens such as Leptospira. At least one confirmed case of another pathogen, Leptospirosis, emerged during the clean-up of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is spread through contaminated animal urine. With Kempsey and surrounding areas experiencing extensive flooding in recent weeks, the environmental conditions are now alarmingly similar to those seen in northern Queensland during their outbreak earlier this year. This raises the possibility that locals, especially those involved in flood clean-up efforts, could be at risk of exposure. Dr Jessica Tout-Lyon of CSU is warning people to stay vigilant as we embark on a massive post-flood clean-up. Any cuts or abrasions, no matter how minor, should be tended to immediately. Dr Tout-Lyon explained it is not just flood waters that can be affected, and a handful of locals have reported contracting gastrointestinal viruses and intense wound infections from activities such as ocean swimming and surfing. According to infectious disease specialists, individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, kidney or lung disease, cancer, or those who consume alcohol heavily, are at higher risk of developing severe melioidosis. However, healthy individuals are not immune. Local health authorities are urging residents to take the following precautions: Avoid direct contact with muddy or flood-affected soil and water, especially if you have cuts, abrasions, or open wounds. Wear gloves, boots, and protective clothing when cleaning up flood-affected properties. Do not use high-pressure hoses that may aerosolise contaminated water or soil. Cover and properly treat all wounds, no matter how minor. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, chest pain, or unexplained sores after potential exposure. As the community rallies to recover from the physical and economic damage wrought by the May floods, residents must remain alert to the quieter, but potentially lethal, risks posed by the post-flood environment. With climate patterns shifting and infectious diseases like melioidosis moving into new territories, the Macleay's best weapon is informed vigilance. As floodwaters begin to recede across the Hunter and Mid North Coast, health experts are warning of a potential threat that may be less visible but no less dangerous. The deadly soil-borne disease, melioidosis, also known as the Mud Bug, is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. It has claimed dozens of lives in northern Queensland this year alone, with over 220 cases and 31 deaths reported to date. Now, experts fear the disease could pose a risk further south, including parts of the Hunter and Mid North Coast, where heavy rainfall and widespread inundation have created ideal conditions for the bacterium to surface. While there are currently no confirmed cases of melioidosis in the Macleay Valley, public awareness is key to early detection and treatment. Melioidosis is often referred to as "the great mimicker" because of its wide range of symptoms. Infections can appear as pneumonia, fever, sepsis, or non-healing skin ulcers, making it difficult to diagnose without specific testing. Left untreated, the disease can be fatal. The bacterium lives naturally in tropical soil and surface water, lying dormant in dry conditions but becoming active with heavy rainfall and flooding. Humans typically contract it through skin abrasions, inhalation of contaminated dust or water, or ingestion of untreated water. Symptoms may appear between 1-21 days after exposure, but in some cases, infection can emerge years later. Historically, melioidosis has been confined to tropical regions north of Rockhampton. However, as climate change brings warmer and wetter conditions further south, there is growing concern that B. pseudomallei could become established in new areas, including northern NSW. Researchers are tracking the organism's suspected spread, along with the spread of other pathogens such as Leptospira. At least one confirmed case of another pathogen, Leptospirosis, emerged during the clean-up of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is spread through contaminated animal urine. With Kempsey and surrounding areas experiencing extensive flooding in recent weeks, the environmental conditions are now alarmingly similar to those seen in northern Queensland during their outbreak earlier this year. This raises the possibility that locals, especially those involved in flood clean-up efforts, could be at risk of exposure. Dr Jessica Tout-Lyon of CSU is warning people to stay vigilant as we embark on a massive post-flood clean-up. Any cuts or abrasions, no matter how minor, should be tended to immediately. Dr Tout-Lyon explained it is not just flood waters that can be affected, and a handful of locals have reported contracting gastrointestinal viruses and intense wound infections from activities such as ocean swimming and surfing. According to infectious disease specialists, individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, kidney or lung disease, cancer, or those who consume alcohol heavily, are at higher risk of developing severe melioidosis. However, healthy individuals are not immune. Local health authorities are urging residents to take the following precautions: Avoid direct contact with muddy or flood-affected soil and water, especially if you have cuts, abrasions, or open wounds. Wear gloves, boots, and protective clothing when cleaning up flood-affected properties. Do not use high-pressure hoses that may aerosolise contaminated water or soil. Cover and properly treat all wounds, no matter how minor. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, chest pain, or unexplained sores after potential exposure. As the community rallies to recover from the physical and economic damage wrought by the May floods, residents must remain alert to the quieter, but potentially lethal, risks posed by the post-flood environment. With climate patterns shifting and infectious diseases like melioidosis moving into new territories, the Macleay's best weapon is informed vigilance. As floodwaters begin to recede across the Hunter and Mid North Coast, health experts are warning of a potential threat that may be less visible but no less dangerous. The deadly soil-borne disease, melioidosis, also known as the Mud Bug, is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. It has claimed dozens of lives in northern Queensland this year alone, with over 220 cases and 31 deaths reported to date. Now, experts fear the disease could pose a risk further south, including parts of the Hunter and Mid North Coast, where heavy rainfall and widespread inundation have created ideal conditions for the bacterium to surface. While there are currently no confirmed cases of melioidosis in the Macleay Valley, public awareness is key to early detection and treatment. Melioidosis is often referred to as "the great mimicker" because of its wide range of symptoms. Infections can appear as pneumonia, fever, sepsis, or non-healing skin ulcers, making it difficult to diagnose without specific testing. Left untreated, the disease can be fatal. The bacterium lives naturally in tropical soil and surface water, lying dormant in dry conditions but becoming active with heavy rainfall and flooding. Humans typically contract it through skin abrasions, inhalation of contaminated dust or water, or ingestion of untreated water. Symptoms may appear between 1-21 days after exposure, but in some cases, infection can emerge years later. Historically, melioidosis has been confined to tropical regions north of Rockhampton. However, as climate change brings warmer and wetter conditions further south, there is growing concern that B. pseudomallei could become established in new areas, including northern NSW. Researchers are tracking the organism's suspected spread, along with the spread of other pathogens such as Leptospira. At least one confirmed case of another pathogen, Leptospirosis, emerged during the clean-up of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is spread through contaminated animal urine. With Kempsey and surrounding areas experiencing extensive flooding in recent weeks, the environmental conditions are now alarmingly similar to those seen in northern Queensland during their outbreak earlier this year. This raises the possibility that locals, especially those involved in flood clean-up efforts, could be at risk of exposure. Dr Jessica Tout-Lyon of CSU is warning people to stay vigilant as we embark on a massive post-flood clean-up. Any cuts or abrasions, no matter how minor, should be tended to immediately. Dr Tout-Lyon explained it is not just flood waters that can be affected, and a handful of locals have reported contracting gastrointestinal viruses and intense wound infections from activities such as ocean swimming and surfing. According to infectious disease specialists, individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, kidney or lung disease, cancer, or those who consume alcohol heavily, are at higher risk of developing severe melioidosis. However, healthy individuals are not immune. Local health authorities are urging residents to take the following precautions: Avoid direct contact with muddy or flood-affected soil and water, especially if you have cuts, abrasions, or open wounds. Wear gloves, boots, and protective clothing when cleaning up flood-affected properties. Do not use high-pressure hoses that may aerosolise contaminated water or soil. Cover and properly treat all wounds, no matter how minor. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, chest pain, or unexplained sores after potential exposure. As the community rallies to recover from the physical and economic damage wrought by the May floods, residents must remain alert to the quieter, but potentially lethal, risks posed by the post-flood environment. With climate patterns shifting and infectious diseases like melioidosis moving into new territories, the Macleay's best weapon is informed vigilance. As floodwaters begin to recede across the Hunter and Mid North Coast, health experts are warning of a potential threat that may be less visible but no less dangerous. The deadly soil-borne disease, melioidosis, also known as the Mud Bug, is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. It has claimed dozens of lives in northern Queensland this year alone, with over 220 cases and 31 deaths reported to date. Now, experts fear the disease could pose a risk further south, including parts of the Hunter and Mid North Coast, where heavy rainfall and widespread inundation have created ideal conditions for the bacterium to surface. While there are currently no confirmed cases of melioidosis in the Macleay Valley, public awareness is key to early detection and treatment. Melioidosis is often referred to as "the great mimicker" because of its wide range of symptoms. Infections can appear as pneumonia, fever, sepsis, or non-healing skin ulcers, making it difficult to diagnose without specific testing. Left untreated, the disease can be fatal. The bacterium lives naturally in tropical soil and surface water, lying dormant in dry conditions but becoming active with heavy rainfall and flooding. Humans typically contract it through skin abrasions, inhalation of contaminated dust or water, or ingestion of untreated water. Symptoms may appear between 1-21 days after exposure, but in some cases, infection can emerge years later. Historically, melioidosis has been confined to tropical regions north of Rockhampton. However, as climate change brings warmer and wetter conditions further south, there is growing concern that B. pseudomallei could become established in new areas, including northern NSW. Researchers are tracking the organism's suspected spread, along with the spread of other pathogens such as Leptospira. At least one confirmed case of another pathogen, Leptospirosis, emerged during the clean-up of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is spread through contaminated animal urine. With Kempsey and surrounding areas experiencing extensive flooding in recent weeks, the environmental conditions are now alarmingly similar to those seen in northern Queensland during their outbreak earlier this year. This raises the possibility that locals, especially those involved in flood clean-up efforts, could be at risk of exposure. Dr Jessica Tout-Lyon of CSU is warning people to stay vigilant as we embark on a massive post-flood clean-up. Any cuts or abrasions, no matter how minor, should be tended to immediately. Dr Tout-Lyon explained it is not just flood waters that can be affected, and a handful of locals have reported contracting gastrointestinal viruses and intense wound infections from activities such as ocean swimming and surfing. According to infectious disease specialists, individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, kidney or lung disease, cancer, or those who consume alcohol heavily, are at higher risk of developing severe melioidosis. However, healthy individuals are not immune. Local health authorities are urging residents to take the following precautions: Avoid direct contact with muddy or flood-affected soil and water, especially if you have cuts, abrasions, or open wounds. Wear gloves, boots, and protective clothing when cleaning up flood-affected properties. Do not use high-pressure hoses that may aerosolise contaminated water or soil. Cover and properly treat all wounds, no matter how minor. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, chest pain, or unexplained sores after potential exposure. As the community rallies to recover from the physical and economic damage wrought by the May floods, residents must remain alert to the quieter, but potentially lethal, risks posed by the post-flood environment. With climate patterns shifting and infectious diseases like melioidosis moving into new territories, the Macleay's best weapon is informed vigilance.
