Huyen Dao Thi Ngoc Poster 2025

 Dr Huyen Dao Thi Ngoc

University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Knowledge and Practices Regarding Melioidosis Among Doctors in Southern Vietnam

Poster Abstract

Background: Melioidosis is a significant infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, particularly prevalent in Southeast Asia. This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices related to Melioidosis among doctors in Southern Vietnam.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 134 doctors from various specialties in Southern Vietnam. The questionnaire covered their awareness and knowledge of Melioidosis, as well as their clinical practices regarding the disease.

Results: Out of the 134 respondents, 79.1% reported being aware of Melioidosis. The respondents came from a variety of medical specialties, with the highest representation from Internal Medicine (51.4%), Pulmonary (9.7%), and Intensive Care (7.5%). Exposure to contaminated soil and water and diabetes were identified as risk factors for Melioidosis, with recognition rates of 91.7% and 88.8%, respectively. The percentages of doctors who answered all the questions correctly regarding diagnostic and treatment knowledge were 2% and 36.6%, respectively. Additionally, 33.6% of doctors consider Melioidosis when a patient’s occupation involves frequent exposure to a contaminated environment, and 28.3% consider Melioidosis if a patient with underlying diabetes does not respond to antibiotics after 72 hours of treatment. Furthermore, 48.5% of doctors have never treated a patient with Melioidosis.

Conclusions: Although Melioidosis is endemic in the region, doctors in Southern Vietnam still lack accurate knowledge and a positive attitude towards the disease. Further training and educational programs are recommended to enhance the clinical management of Melioidosis.

Keywords: Burkholderia pseudomallei, Melioidosis, knowledge and clinical practices.