GLANDERS

TYPES

There are four common infections asociated with glanders:

• Localized infection: This type of infection occurs when infection is acquired through cuts or tears in the body. Glanders may spread across the body within 1-4 weeks of this type of infection.

• Pulmonary infection: This type of glanders mainly affect the pulmonary system. Concentrated infection in the lung lobes may be detected through chest x-rays.

• Bloodstream infection: This is the most critical type of glanders disease. Bloodstream infections frequently result in death within 7-10 days without medication.
• Chronic Infection: This type causes the formation of multiple abscesses within the body.

SYMPTOMS

General symptoms for glanders include the following:

• Chills and sweating while having fever
• Muscle pain 
• Chest pain
• Muscle soreness 
• Headache
• Runny Nose 

However, other symptoms may arise, depending on the type of infection that a patient has:

Localized infection

• Ulceration in the infected part which manifests between 1-5 days after contact
• Visible enlarged lymph nodes
• Secretion of mucus on infected parts

Pulmonary infection

• Pneumonia
• Lung abscess
• Pleural effusion

Chronic infection

• Multiple abscesses within the liver, skin of the arms and legs, spleen, muscles, or lungs

If any of these indications persist, contact your physician immediately.

DIAGNOSIS 

Glanders can be diagnosed by doctors through running tests in the blood, urine, saliva, or wounds. If the Burkholderia mallei is present, then it is confirmed to be Glanders. 

TREATMENT 

Unfortunately, there are still a lack of studies regarding the antibiotic treatment of Glanders for humans. Nevertheles, sulfadizine has been discovered as an efficient treatment for both humans and experimental animals.

Moreover, Burkholderia mallei is vulnerable to the following medications:

• Imipenem
• Tetracyclines
• Gentamicin
• Streptomycin
• Sulfonamides
• Ciprofloxacin
• Novobiocin
• Ceftazidime