Melioidosis and glanders

For patients the critical importance of adherence to and completion of their eradication therapy needs ongoing emphasis. Patients should be informed that melioidosis can be fully cured, but with inadequate therapy has a tendency to relapse. In addition, modification of risk factors requires attention and support; most importantly good blood glucose control in diabetics and modification of alcohol intake for those with hazardous alcohol use. Melioidosis often does not confer immunity, so can occur again on re-exposure to the environment. Therefore, avoiding exposure is especially important wherever possible for those with predisposing conditions such as diabetes. This is clearly very difficult for rural farmers in endemic regions.

Patient information is available from Australia's Northern Territory government:

Northern Territory Government: melioidosis Opens in new window

More information for healthcare professionals who provide advice to international travellers about health risks is also available.

CDC: infectious diseases related to travel - melioidosis Opens in new window

Melioidosis.info: Raising awareness of melioidosis Opens in new window