Abstract
Melioidosis, although endemic in many parts of Southeast Asia, has not been systematically studied in Hong Kong, which is a predominantly urban area located in the subtropics. This review describes the early outbreaks of melioidosis in captive animals in Hong Kong in the 1970s, as well as the early reports of human clinical cases in the 1980s. A review of all hospitalized human cases of culture-confirmed melioidosis in the last twenty years showed an increasing trend in the incidence of the disease, with significant mortality observed. The lack of awareness of this disease among local physicians, the delay in laboratory diagnosis and the lack of epidemiological surveillance are among the greatest challenges of managing melioidosis in the territory.
Highlights
Melioidosis is an emerging infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei that causes significant morbidity and mortality [1]
Hong Kong is considered to be situated in an endemic region with high environmental suitability for B. pseudomallei [3,4]
This review aims to provide an overview of melioidosis in Hong Kong
Summary
Melioidosis is an emerging infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei that causes significant morbidity and mortality [1]. Melioidosis has been well recognized to be highly endemic in northern Australia and many parts of Asia, with the highest prevalence observed in Southeast and South Asia [3,4] It is being increasingly reported in previously non-endemic regions [4]. A review of all clinical cases of culture-confirmed melioidosis managed in public hospitals in Hong Kong in the past 20 years is presented. This is followed by results of a survey performed among local infectious diseases physicians and microbiologists on the local practice of diagnosis and management of melioidosis. Challenges in the control and clinical management of this disease are discussed
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