Navigating the Landscape: Understanding Melioidosis through Clinical Epidemiology, Immune Response Dynamics, and Diagnostic Innovations

Professor Narisara Chantratita, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand

Melioidosis, caused by the gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a highly elusive and potentially fatal infectious disease prevalent in tropical regions. Understanding its dynamics is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies. This talk will discuss on my research on the multifaceted aspects of melioidosis, exploring its epidemiological patterns, immune response dynamics, and recent advancements in diagnostics. The epidemiology of melioidosis is characterized by the environmental distribution of B. pseudomallei and varied clinical presentations of the patients. Through comprehensive clinical epidemiological studies, insights into the risk factors, and outcomes have been investigated.

Furthermore, unravelling the interplay between the host immune system and B. pseudomallei is essential for understanding disease pathogenesis. Our research has shed light on the complex immune response dynamics, including both innate and adaptive immunity, highlighting potential biomarkers for predicting clinical outcomes. Moreover, diagnostic innovations play a pivotal role in the timely detection and management of melioidosis. From conventional culture-based methods to advanced molecular techniques and