From Rice Fields, Deadly Disease Melioidosis Creeping Across Madhya Pradesh

A deadly infectious disease mimicking tuberculosis is rapidly spreading across Madhya Pradesh, posing significant public health concerns. Melioidosis, once limited to coastal states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha, has now become endemic in Madhya Pradesh, with cases increasing dramatically in recent years, according to doctors at AIIMS Bhopal.

AIIMS Bhopal's Department of Microbiology reports that the disease is caused by Burkholderia Pseudomallei bacteria, typically found in soil and contaminated water, particularly in rice fields. Experts attribute the spread to the state's growing paddy cultivation and numerous water sources, which provide ideal conditions for the bacteria to thrive.

The report from AIIMS Bhopal raises alarming concerns about this bacterial disease that presents similar symptoms to tuberculosis and has extremely high fatality rates. "Without timely treatment, four out of 10 patients succumb to the disease," the report emphasizes.

What makes melioidosis particularly hazardous is its tuberculosis-like symptoms. Patients typically experience persistent fever, coughing, chest pain, or abscesses, leading to misdiagnosis and months of ineffective treatment. By the time accurate identification occurs, the infection has often spread throughout multiple organs.

Statistics from AIIMS Bhopal reveal that 40 percent of untreated patients die due to delayed detection and lack of prompt medical intervention.

Over the past six years, more than 130 patients from approximately 20 districts across Madhya Pradesh have been diagnosed at AIIMS Bhopal. "This trend clearly demonstrates that melioidosis is no longer an imported disease but has become a local public health threat," noted senior microbiologists at the institute.

One illustrative case involved a 45-year-old farmer near Bhopal who suffered for months with recurring fever, cough, and chest pain. Initially misdiagnosed and treated for tuberculosis, his condition showed no improvement despite extended medication. Only after referral to AIIMS Bhopal was the correct diagnosis established. With appropriate antibiotic treatment, his health improved significantly, and he recovered within weeks.

Prof. (Dr.) Madhabananda Kar, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, emphasized that awareness and early diagnosis are crucial to reducing mortality rates. "Melioidosis is a serious but frequently overlooked disease. Enhancing laboratory detection capabilities and providing healthcare workers with proper knowledge is essential to protect vulnerable communities," he stated.