Epidemiology and genetic diversity of Burkholderia pseudomallei from Riau Province, Indonesia.

Melioidosis is a bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, that is common in tropical and subtropical countries including Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. The magnitude of undiagnosed and untreated melioidosis across the country remains unclear. Given its proximity to regions with high infection rates, Riau Province on Sumatera Island is anticipated to have endemic melioidosis. This study reports retrospectively collected data on 68 culture-confirmed melioidosis cases from two hospitals in Riau Province between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2021, with full clinical data available on 41 cases. We also describe whole genome sequencing and genotypic analysis of six isolates of B. pseudomallei. The mean age of the melioidosis patients was 49.1 (SD 11.5) years, 85% were male and the most common risk factor was diabetes mellitus (78%). Pulmonary infection was the most common presentation (39%), and overall mortality was 41%. Lung as a focal infection (aOR: 6.43; 95% CI: 1.13-36.59, p = 0.036) and bacteremia (aOR: 15.21; 95% CI: 2.59-89.31, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with death. Multilocus sequence typing analysis conducted on six B.pseudomallei genomes identified three sequence types (STs), namely novel ST1794 (n = 3), ST46 (n = 2), and ST289 (n = 1). A phylogenetic tree of Riau B. pseudomallei whole genome sequences with a global dataset of genomes clearly distinguished the genomes of B. pseudomallei in Indonesia from the ancestral Australian clade and classified them within the Asian clade. This study expands the known presence of B. pseudomallei within Indonesia and confirms that Indonesian B. pseudomallei are genetically linked to those in the rest of Southeast Asia. It is anticipated that melioidosis will be found in other locations across Indonesia as laboratory capacities improve and standardized protocols for detecting and confirming suspected cases of melioidosis are more widely implemented.

Successful lumbal sympathetic block as an alternative therapy for improving Buerger's disease: A rare case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Buerger's disease is an inflammation of blood vessels that is strongly related to smoking habits. Lumbal sympathetic block is one kind of lumbal sympathectomy intervention that is used to manage chronic pain, including Buerger's disease. In this case report, we present the case of a Buerger's disease patient treated with a lumbal sympathetic block procedure. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63-year-old male was referred to our emergency room with chronic pain and ulcers on his left foot. He had already undergone two debridement procedures at his previous hospital without any improvement. After a comprehensive assessment, our cardio-thoracic specialist chose to refer the patient to undergo the lumbal sympathetic block with the orthopaedic specialist. After two procedures, we found a reduction in pain (VAS 6-7 to 2-3), the skin looked more colored, and the patient's walking distance improved from 10 to 100 m without any complaints. We also found good wound healing of the ulcers in his left foot; they became smaller and dryer. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Lumbal sympathetic block is thought to be able to reduce peripheral retention that causes the opening of an arteriovenous anastomose, thus increasing blood flow to skin tissue and leading to vasodilatation. It showed its capability to prevent Buerger's disease progression, reduce patient complaints, and heal the wound. CONCLUSION: Lumbal sympathetic block should be considered as an alternative therapy for Buerger's disease.