In the context of Melioidosis disease, consider the following statements. 1. It is an infectious disease that can infect humans or animals through direct contact with a contaminated source. 2. The disease is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. 3. It is predominately a disease of temperate climates, especially in parts of China, and Russian Siberia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

In the context of Melioidosis disease, consider the following statements. 1. It is an infectious disease that can infect humans or animals through direct contact with a contaminated source. 2. The disease is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. 3. It is predominately a disease of temperate climates, especially in parts of China, and Russian Siberia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Correct Answer 1 and 2 only

The correct answer is 1 and 2 only.

In News

• A made-in-India aromatherapy spray is being pulled off retail giant Walmart’s shelves in the United States after a medical investigation linked it to melioidosis, a rare disease that has sickened at least four and may have caused two deaths, in the country.

Key Points

• The spray was reported to contain a bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei, that causes a rare but deadly disease called melioidosis, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.
• The spray, “Better Homes and Gardens Lavender & Chamomile Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones”, was found on October 6 in the home of a Georgia resident who became ill with melioidosis in late July.
• Key facts
  • Melioidosis, also called Whitmore’s disease, is an infectious disease that can infect humans or animals. Hence statement 1 is correct.
  • The disease is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Hence statement 2 is correct.
  • It is predominately a disease of tropical climates, especially in Southeast Asia and northern Australia where it is widespread. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
  • The bacteria causing melioidosis are found in contaminated water and soil. It is spread to humans and animals through direct contact with the contaminated source.
  • Most people infected with B. pseudomallei experience no symptoms, but those who do experience symptoms have signs and symptoms that range from mild, such as fever, skin changes, pneumonia, and abscesses, to severe with inflammation of the brain, inflammation of the joints, and dangerously low blood pressure that causes death.