What is Whitmore’s disease?
Hello guys! Have you heard about Whitmore’s disease?
Whitmore's disease is a type of infectious illness, also called melioidosis disease. it is not more prevalent in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. This disease is caused by a bacteria known as Burkholderia pseudomallei, found in soil, stagnant water and rice paddies. Human catches this disease by inhaling contaminated dust or when soil is contaminated by bacteria. In that state, humans can come in contact with abraded (scraped) skin.
It has also been confirmed that melioidosis is similar to glanders disease which passes to humans via infected domestic animals.
Risk factors for Whitmore’s disease (melioidosis)
There are several risk factors for developing melioidosis infection including alcohol abuse, diabetes, chronic renal disease, thalassemia, kava consumption, diabetes, living in southeast Asia and northern Australia and chronic lung disease (i.e. Cystic Fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or (COPD, and bronchiectasis).
*Note- Cystic Fibrosis (have given brief information about the disease, kindly get brief information through my blog reading list
Common signs & symptoms of Whitmore’s disease
· Fever
· Abscess formation
· Chest pain
· Cough
· Respiratory distress
However, there are various types of Whitmore’s disease, each with its sign and symptoms. I know, it is a bit strange when I came to know, I also get confused……………………………
Let’s proceed further…………………………………………………………….
Pulmonary Infection- This infection majorly stems from lung disease where the bacteria start to form a cavity of pus (abscess). Hence, this pulmonary infection can range from mild bronchitis to severe pneumonia. In addition, patients with this disease can experience anorexia, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever and headache.
Localized Infection- The effect of Whitmore’s disease can also be localised on the skin with swelling, ulceration and muscle ache in the form of infection.
Bloodstream Infection- If Whitmore’s disease enters into the bloodstream, then the patient can develop joint pain, respiratory distress, abdominal discomfort and disorientation.
Disseminated Infection- Whitmore’s disease can easily spread from the skin via blood to become a chronic form of Whitmore’s that directly affects the kidney, eyes, joints, heart and brain. There are several other symptoms of disseminated Whitmore’s infection such as chest pain, headache, seizure and weight loss.
Now the question arises whether Whitmore’s disease is contagious or not?
It is minimally contagious. It has a rare probability to spread disease from person to person. The most common route of infection with Whitmore’s is through direct contact with contaminated water and soil.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis
Several tests were conducted to detect the early acute case of Whitmore’s infection such as microscopic evaluation (in this test take a sputum sample and blood test.
Treatment
The treatment of Whitmore’s disease involves antibiotics and completely depends on the location of the disease such as…………………………………………….
· Mild illness- Sulfisoxazole or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are antibiotics. These can work to cure illness.
· More severe illness- Ceftazidime or a Carbapenem combination helps to treat the more severe infection.
· Very severe illness- Ceftazidime or carbapenem are possibly given in combination with sulfamethoxazole via the intravenous route.
· If sputum (spit) culture remains positive for almost 6 months- In this scenario, surgical removal of lung abscess with lobectomy considers the best option to treat the patient. In addition, antibiotic treatments may also give from 3 to 12 months.
Another shocking fact of that disease is that it can remain latent for years and emerges when a person resistance becomes too low. That’s why we need to observe our family and friends’ health. We should also be aware of our health instead of self-medication. We never know what is going on inside our bodies. It is also essential for us to do daily exercise, have plenty of water and includes vitamins (from natural sources) in our daily diets.
Stay happy! Stay warm in speaking!
Don’t show hollow concern!
Be with your words!
Respects others thought as well!
Keep smiling!
