Melioidosis :an emerging infection in India.

Abstract

Melioidosis is an emerging infection in India especially in males from rural areas, with diabetes and alcoholism being the commonest risk factors. Both sepsis with bacteraemia and localised disease involving joints or focal abscess were common presentations. Diagnosis is readily made by culturing the organism from appropriate clinical specimens and identifying non-fermenting Gram negative bacteria to the species level. As there was an excellent response in 75% of patients, early suspicion, culture confirmation and therapy is warranted in India.