II. Pathophysiology

  1. Burkholderia Mallei (Malleomyces mallei)
    1. Formerly categorized as Pseudomonas Mallei
    2. Aerobic, Gram NegativeBacillus
    3. Nonmotile and encapsulated
  2. Previously only domesticated animal infection
    1. Horses, Mules, and Donkeys
    2. Historically contracted by animal handlers (rare)
    3. No naturally acquired human cases in last 60 years
  3. Aerosolized risk as a biological warfare agent
    1. Infection rate in those exposed to aerosol: 46%
  4. Incubation: 10-14 days after inhalation

III. Symptoms (Septicemic form)

IV. Signs

  1. Acute (Septicemic form)
    1. Fever
    2. Cervical adenopathy
    3. Splenomegaly
    4. Rash
      1. Generalized papular or pustular eruptions
  2. Chronic form
    1. Rash
      1. Cutaneous and intramuscular abscess
    2. Nasal Discharge and ulceration (50%)

V. Labs

  1. Exudate Methylene blue stain
    1. Scant small bacilli
  2. Sputum Culture on meat nutrient mediums
  3. Complete Blood Count
    1. Mild Leukocytosis with Left Shift

VI. Radiology: Chest XRay

  1. Miliary Nodules (0.5 - 1.0 cm)
    1. Small, multiple Lung Abscesses
  2. Bronchopneumonia
  3. Lobar Pneumonia
  4. Necrotizing nodular lesions

VII. Course

  1. Uniformly fatal if untreated

VIII. Complications

IX. Prevention

X. References

  1. (1998) Medical Management of Biological Casualties
    1. U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of ID

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