Melioidosis in India: a potentially deadly infection that may be going undetected
Medical experts are raising concerns about the under-diagnosis of melioidosis, a potentially fatal bacterial infection in India. Recent studies indicate that the disease is often misidentified, highlighting a critical need for standardized reporting and better surveillance to manage public health risks.
Why it matters
Improved detection of this infection is vital for reducing mortality rates among high-risk populations, particularly those with underlying conditions like diabetes.
Melioidosis in India: a potentially deadly infection that may be going undetected International Infection Prevention Week : Oct 19-25 left Standardised reporting of confirmed cases, geographical distribution, risk factors, seasonal patterns, treatment outcomes and deaths could help identify hotspots, improve diagnosis and guide public health interventions |Image used for representational purpose only File Photo File Photo https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/13iv76/article71617690.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/DSC07851.JPG VIJAYAKUMAR T Medical experts collecting blood samples from villager at medical camp at Turakapalem village near Guntur, after announcing health emergency in view of melioidosis outbreak on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Photo: T. Vijay Kumar / The Hindu A multicentre study found that nearly one in 11 high-risk hospitalised adults had melioidosis, with almost one in five confirmed patients dying in hospital.
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