Why does Melioidosis, or soil disease, occur mainly in South-east Asia and Northern Australia…,?
Burkholderia pseudomallei is the name of the bacteria you are talking about which is found predominantly in soil. There are a few possibilities why the bacteria are not as prevalent in these parts of the world. Genetic factors (people may be innately resistant), environmental factors (growth of competitive microbes) and other factors could contribute to the low incidences of melioidosis in these regions. The reason why a vaccine might not be available is the cost and need for a vaccine. If the disease only occurs in a minority of the population and is generally responsive to antibiotics vaccines may not be required. Vaccine production is a difficult process and is not as easy as injecting “dead” organisms, we all know from history that producing vaccines quickly with no clinical trials is not going to help the patients in any way. Vaccines may have been produced but are still in their trial stages so it is only a matter of time before one is released and approved by your government.
