A call to action: time to recognise melioidosis as a neglected tropical disease
Issued Date
2022-06-01
Resource Type
ISSN
14733099
eISSN
14744457
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85129706322
Pubmed ID
34953519
Journal Title
The Lancet Infectious Diseases
Volume
22
Issue
6
Start Page
e176
End Page
e182
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
The Lancet Infectious Diseases Vol.22 No.6 (2022) , e176-e182
Suggested Citation
Savelkoel J., Dance D.A.B., Currie B.J., Limmathurotsakul D., Wiersinga W.J. A call to action: time to recognise melioidosis as a neglected tropical disease. The Lancet Infectious Diseases Vol.22 No.6 (2022) , e176-e182. e182. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(21)00394-7 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/85833
Title
A call to action: time to recognise melioidosis as a neglected tropical disease
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Melioidosis is a tropical infection caused by the soil bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Despite the substantial impact of this often overlooked pathogen on both the health-care systems and economies of numerous low-income and middle-income countries around the world, melioidosis is not officially classified as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) by WHO. Melioidosis causes a higher estimated disease burden and mortality than many other recognised NTDs, with deaths primarily occurring among rural poor populations in low-income and middle-income countries. Fortunately, the impact of melioidosis in a region can be reduced once awareness is established of its known or suspected endemicity. In this Personal View, we provide evidence in support of official recognition of melioidosis as an NTD. We urge member states to request that WHO revisit their NTD list and appeal to government and philanthropic organisations to establish programmes in endemic countries to control melioidosis in order to reduce its global health burden.