Clinical and laboratory profile of people afflicted with melioidosis: A retrospective study

Abstract

Aim: Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is an important disease in some parts of the developing countries and is now categorized as an emerging infection and a global threat. The present study was carried out to ascertain the alterations on the hematological, hepatic, and renal parameters in the infected people. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study and was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in India. Data were analyzed in people who were diagnosed to be infected by B. pseudomallei during January 2010–December 2016. A total of 28 people were included in the study and compared with healthy individuals who were tested negative for any infectious and chronic diseases. Results: The results indicated that the infection caused diverse clinical manifestations such as fever, cough, dyspnea, joint pain, headache, bodyache, weight loss, swelling, and decrease in appetite. There was significant difference in the various hematological and hepatic endpoints, while there was no such difference in the renal function test parameters. Conclusions: For the first time, this study indicates that acute infection with melioidosis causes alterations in hematological and hepatic parameters in people with melioidosis.