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Treatment

image of medication.

When a melioidosis infection is diagnosed, the disease can be treated with the use of appropriate medication.

The type of infection and the course of treatment will impact long-term outcome. Treatment generally starts with intravenous (within a vein) antimicrobial therapy for 10-14 days, followed by 3-6 months of oral antimicrobial therapy.

Antimicrobial agents that have been effective against melioidosis include:

Intravenous therapy consists of:

  • Ceftazidime administered every 6-8 hours
  • OR
  • Meropenem administered every 8 hours

Oral antimicrobial therapy consists of:

  • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole taken every 12 hours
  • OR
  • Doxycycline taken every 12 hours

Patients with penicillin allergies should notify their doctor, who can prescribe an alternative treatment course.

In 2010, HHS convened a workshop with internationally recognized leaders in the field of Burkholderia species (the species of germ that causes melioidosis, glanders and other related infections) and clinicians with expertise in treating Burkholderia. Workshop attendees recommended treatment regimens for and post-exposure prophylaxis for melioidosis and glanders. More details on the recommendations can be found in the summary, published in CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal.

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