What are Burkholderia, Glanders, and Melioidosis?
Glanders and Melioidosis are the names for 2 serious illnesses caused by a group of bacteria called Burkholderia. Glanders is mainly a disease of horses, donkeys, and mules, though other animals such as goats, cats and dogs can be infected. Glanders was wiped out of the United States in the early 1900s, but still occurs occasionally in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. Human cases are extremely rare. Melioidosis occurs in humans and in many other animal species including mammals, birds, and reptiles. The bacteria live in soil, mud, and water, and are found in rice paddies. Naturally-occurring infection of humans occurs only in Southeast Asia and Australia. In Thailand, there are 2,000-5,000 cases per year of Melioidosis. In the USA, fewer than five cases are reported each year, typically in immigrants and in travelers returning from areas where the infection is present.
