The 1990-1991 outbreak of melioidosis in the Northern Territory of Australia: clinical aspects.
Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health
;
1993 Sep; 24(3): 436-43
Article
in English
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-33856
ABSTRACT
From November 1990 to June 1991, 33 cases of acute melioidosis were diagnosed in tropical Northern Territory, Australia during an exceptionally wet monsoon. Eighteen (55%) were alcoholic, 16 (48%) diabetic and only 4 (12%, all survivors) had no risk factors. Twenty-seven (82%) were considered recent infection, with an incubation period of 3-21 days (mean 14) documented in eight cases with presumed cutaneous inoculation. Fourteen patients presented with pneumonia (4 septicemic) and of 11 others with septicemia 4 had genitourinary foci. Three of 4 with splenic abscesses required splenectomy. Three had only skin/soft tissue infection. One patient with brainstem encephalitis needed prolonged ventilation. Overall mortality was 36% (12 cases, including three relapses), despite therapy with ceftazidime and intensive care facilities. Pseudomonas pseudomallei is the commonest diagnosed cause of fatal bacteremic pneumonia at Royal Darwin Hospital and emphasis is placed on early appropriate antibiotic therapy and compliance with maintenance therapy for at least three months.
Full text:
Available
Index:
IMSEAR (South-East Asia)
Main subject:
Pneumonia
/
Prognosis
/
Recurrence
/
Severity of Illness Index
/
Aged, 80 and over
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Type of study:
Etiology study
/
Prognostic study
/
Risk factors
Limits:
Aged80
Country/Region as subject:
Oceania
Language:
English
Journal:
Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health
Year:
1993
Type:
Article
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