Researchers discuss urgent response to new bacterial infection threat

As the northern regions of Australia brace for the wet season, a beacon of hope shines on the horizon for those concerned about the tropical disease known as melioidosis.

This potentially fatal infection, caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is found in soil and water, has long threatened residents of these lush areas.

But now, thanks to the tireless efforts of researchers worldwide, a vaccine may soon be within reach.


Experts gathered in Darwin for the 10th World Melioidosis Congress to discuss the latest advancements in combating this silent killer.

Melioidosis can lead to severe health issues, including chest infections, breathing difficulties, headaches, non-healing skin sores, confusion, and joint swelling.

In the Northern Territory alone, the past year saw 80 people contract the disease, with five tragic fatalities.


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Melioidosis is a serious disease found in northern Australia and Southeast Asia, with growing concerns about its spread to other regions. Credit: Shutterstock


However, the collaborative spirit of the scientific community is bringing us closer to a solution.

Professor David Wagner of Northern Arizona University in the United States expressed optimism about progress.


'We are hopeful through a joint US-Australia collaboration that we'll be putting shots in arms up here in the Darwin area … in the next year or two,' he stated.

The Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin, a leader in melioidosis research, has been instrumental in these developments.

Senior researcher Mark Mayo highlighted that advancements in treatment have already improved survival rates for those infected.

The discovery of melioidosis in Mississippi, USA, has raised alarms about the disease's potential global spread.

This revelation has spurred efforts to search for the bacterium in other parts of the United States and beyond.


Back in Darwin, preparations for the wet season are underway with increased vigilance.

Professor Bart Currie from the Menzies School of Health Research emphasised the importance of early preventative measures, including adjustments to emergency department protocols and laboratory practices.

For those living in rural areas, particularly individuals with diabetes or compromised immune systems, Professor Currie advised caution with bore water, suggesting bottled water or installing chlorinators or UV filters.

Construction workers are also being educated on the risks following incidents in Cairns where labourers fell ill.

The disturbance of soil during construction can propagate the bacteria, which can then be aerosolized by heavy rain and winds.


To protect yourself, minimising contact with contaminated soil and water is crucial.

Wearing gloves and closed-toed shoes while gardening, avoiding muddy waters during the wet season, or washing off any exposure immediately can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

As we await the vaccine rollout, these precautions are our best defence against melioidosis.

The dedication of researchers and health professionals gives us hope that soon, this disease will pose less of a threat to the health and well-being of Australians and people worldwide.
Key Takeaways
  • Melioidosis is a potentially fatal disease endemic to northern Australia and regions of Southeast Asia, with recent concerns it is spreading beyond these areas.
  • Researchers from across the globe met at the 10th World Melioidosis Congress in Darwin to discuss advancements, including vaccine development.
  • There have been recent cases and fatalities due to melioidosis in the Northern Territory, prompting increased vigilance as the wet season approaches.
  • Health experts advise residents, particularly those with weakened immune systems, to use bottled or treated water and practise safe hygiene when in contact with soil and water to prevent infection.
How do you feel about melioidosis spreading to different places? What should be done to raise awareness in those areas? Let us know in the comments below.
 
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l have had Covid for the last ten days and have not been vaccinated nor do l ever intend to do so. Your Godmother can beat this and l hope she gets better soon it just takes time. l feel nearly better today. So far my two sons and grandson l live with haven't got it.My son-in-law Paul who is better now gave it to me when the family visited but Debra [wife] and their son didn't get it.Strange l was worried they might.
Never had covid and never been vaccinated and don’t intend to either,everyone I know who has been got covid anyway. My neighbour just had her sixth jab she’s 74 and she still got.
So my Body my life my choice.😊
 
Never had covid and never been vaccinated and don’t intend to either,everyone I know who has been got covid anyway. My neighbour just had her sixth jab she’s 74 and she still got.
So my Body my life my choice.😊
You probably don’t have COVID,,,, it’s more than likely just the flu !
but doctors will keep the scare alive and call it COVID,, being they gave Covid the same symptoms as everything else !
 
l have had Covid for the last ten days and have not been vaccinated nor do l ever intend to do so. Your Godmother can beat this and l hope she gets better soon it just takes time. l feel nearly better today. So far my two sons and grandson l live with haven't got it.My son-in-law Paul who is better now gave it to me when the family visited but Debra [wife] and their son didn't get it.Strange l was worried they might.
Probably the flu!
 
Excellent comment, Suzanne rose.

You & I will take advice and precautions while so many others do not because they think it is just scaremongering, don’t have symptoms but go about their daily lives infecting the rest of us. A certain low percentage against population size does not means an infection is not present or won’t spread. It only needs one person to spread something infective when they move out of an infective area.
It’s the vaccinated who are trafficking the covid illness,,,,,,that’s been proven !
Not trafficked by the unvaccinated !!
 
The Federal Health Minister stated the other night on that Australia failed In its handling of the Covid pandemic and would not be able to handle the next pandemic (funny how they are expecting the next pandemic or is it a “Plandemic“) any better!
Damn right there Bruce !
In the US there is a massive law suit going on against Biden, Harris, and countless more including those who administered the vaccines , for their part in providing and administering a deadly drug for depopulation ! 👊🏻
 
Hope you don’t contract ANY possibly fatal disease because you refuse protection as do so many others who don’t believe but unconsciously spread them to others because they’re not protected.
Well hubby and I have not had Covid or Flu shots for almost 5 years - not had Covid or Flu and haven't given them to others! As for this disease it has been around for many years in the tropics - 7 years in the top end and 30 years in NQ and have never had it - you have the same approach as potting mix - where a mask - long sleeves - pants - boots and gloves when you are cleaning up after flooding etc - commonsense utilised - oh that is a rare trait these days.
 
Personally I'll take my advice from my own medical professionals who are more up to date about this disease which we have cases of already up here in Cairns,....as for the likes of Bruce C he can add it to his list of :poop:🚽🧻 and Rickcb63 should jump in and join him and make it a full load.;)
 
Not sure it was a stuff up ! I had numerous covid shots and didn’t once get COVID. It was the first time in recent time the world faced a pandemic they struggled how to handle it, not surprisingly. Hopefully if something like it happens again the powers that be will know better how to cope. My opinion 🤷‍♀️
I didn’t have any vaccinations and I haven’t had Covid.
I also know many people the same as me and many who had 3 or 4 vaccinations and are still getting Covid!
 
Hope you don’t contract ANY possibly fatal disease because you refuse protection as do so many others who don’t believe but unconsciously spread them to others because they’re not protected.
If you are so sure you are protected by the vaccine why should you worry about others not being vaccinated.
You obviously don’t trust the vaccine and just followed the sheep !
 
Keep the scaremongering bullshit coming!
Look at the facts!
in 32 years there has been 128 reported cases.
4 cases a year.
Why is this even newsworth?

From 1989–2021 there were 128 patients with melioidosis in the Katherine region. 96/128 (75%) patients were First Nations Australians, 72/128 (56%) were from a very remote region, 68/128 (53%) had diabetes, 57/128 (44%) had a history of hazardous alcohol consumption, and 11/128 (9%) died from melioidosis.13 June 2022
Here they come. The anti vaccers. Doesn't take long for them to start at any mention of vaccines. Take your head out of the sand. No that's wrong, bury your heads deeper. Maybe your heads will get stuck deeper and you won't see anything about vaccines
.
 
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Excellent comment, Suzanne rose.

You & I will take advice and precautions while so many others do not because they think it is just scaremongering, don’t have symptoms but go about their daily lives infecting the rest of us. A certain low percentage against population size does not means an infection is not present or won’t spread. It only needs one person to spread something infective when they move out of an infective area.
I'm wondering how any of them can infect you if you're vaccinated?
 

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