Melioidosis (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

What is the prognosis for melioidosis?

Untreated, melioidosis is fatal. When treated with antibiotics, severe forms of the illness have a 50% chance of recovery, but overall the mortality rate is 40%.

  • Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei.
  • Melioidosis infection commonly involves the lungs.
  • Melioidosis is diagnosed with the help of blood, urine, sputum, or skin-lesion testing.
  • Melioidosis is treated with antibiotics.
  • The overall mortality rate is 40%.

References:

eMedicine

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Last Editorial Review: 4/1/2008


Get the latest health and medical information delivered direct to your inbox FREE!