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veterinary
2022
Expert Opinion

One Health surveillance approaches for melioidosis and glanders: The Malaysian perspective.

Authors: Mariappan Vanitha, Vellasamy Kumutha Malar, Anpalagar Rohan Raaj, Lim Yue-Min, Zainal Abidin Nurhamimah, Subramaniam Sreeramanan, Nathan Sheila

Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science

Summary

# Editorial Summary: One Health Surveillance for Melioidosis and Glanders in Malaysia Malaysia faces significant challenges in controlling two serious bacterial infections—melioidosis (caused by *Burkholderia pseudomallei*) and glanders (*Burkholderia mallei*)—yet lacks integrated surveillance systems to track their prevalence or distribution across human, animal, and environmental sectors. Environmental disruption from deforestation, agricultural intensification, and climate change has expanded the habitat range of these pathogens, with agricultural regions identified as particular hotspots for melioidosis transmission, whilst equine handlers and veterinary professionals remain at occupational risk for glanders despite no reported human cases to date. This 2022 review synthesises current evidence to propose how Malaysia might implement One Health surveillance frameworks—coordinated monitoring that integrates clinical, veterinary, environmental, and public health data—to address critical knowledge gaps that currently hinder effective disease control and management. Key barriers identified include the lack of mandatory disease notification for melioidosis, limited research infrastructure, and rising antimicrobial resistance in *B. pseudomallei* populations, all of which compromise the ability to implement evidence-based prevention strategies. For equine professionals, the review underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration with veterinarians, environmental scientists, policymakers, and researchers to establish standardised diagnostic protocols, surveillance networks, and occupational health guidelines that can protect both horses and handlers whilst contributing to broader disease containment efforts.

Read the full abstract on PubMed

Practical Takeaways

  • Equine handlers and veterinary professionals working with horses in Malaysia should maintain heightened biosecurity protocols and occupational health awareness for potential glanders exposure, despite no reported cases to date
  • Implement One Health surveillance approaches involving collaboration between veterinary, clinical, environmental, and policy stakeholders to improve detection and management of both diseases
  • Be aware of emerging antibiotic resistance in B. pseudomallei and consider resistance patterns when treating or preventing infections in affected regions

Key Findings

  • Melioidosis is endemic in Malaysia but not notifiable, making true prevalence unknown with regional hotspots linked to agriculture
  • No human glanders cases reported in Malaysia to date, but occupational risk persists for equine handlers and veterinary professionals
  • Antibiotic resistance in B. pseudomallei is emerging due to widespread use in healthcare and veterinary sectors
  • Lack of integrated surveillance, research, and cross-disciplinary management systems hampers disease control in Malaysia

Conditions Studied

melioidosisglandersburkholderia pseudomallei infectionburkholderia mallei infection