Signs and Symptoms

There are several types of melioidosis infection, each with their own set of symptoms.

However, it is important to note that melioidosis has a wide range of signs and symptoms that can be mistaken for other diseases such as tuberculosis or more common forms of pneumonia.

Localized Infection:

• Localized pain or swelling
• Fever
• Ulceration
• Abscess

Pulmonary Infection:

• Cough
• Chest pain
• High fever
• Headache
• Anorexia

Bloodstream Infection:

• Fever
• Headache
• Respiratory distress
• Abdominal discomfort
• Joint pain
• Disorientation

Disseminated Infection:

• Fever
• Weight loss
• Stomach or chest pain
• Muscle or joint pain
• Headache
• Seizures

The time between an exposure to the bacteria that causes the disease and the emergence of symptoms is not clearly defined, but may range from one day to many years; generally symptoms appear two to four weeks after exposure.

Although healthy people may get melioidosis, the major risk factors are:

• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Renal disease
• Thalassemia
• Cancer or another immune-suppressing condition not related to HIV
• Chronic Lung disease (such as cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchiectasis)