In simple words: Subacute and chronic melioidosis, also called Whitmore's disease, is a long-lasting and serious infection caused by bacteria found in soil and water, mostly in Southeast Asia and Australia.It can cause a range of symptoms like fever, cough, pain, and confusion, and can affect different parts of the body.Treatment involves antibiotics through an IV and then pills.

Subacute and chronic melioidosis, also known as Whitmore's disease, is a severe infectious disease with a slow or insidious onset but persists for an extended period. It's caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, typically acquired through skin cuts, contaminated water ingestion, or inhalation of contaminated soil dust, primarily in Southeast Asia and Australia.Symptoms can include fever, cough, chest pain, headache, anorexia, abscesses, ulcers, localized pain and swelling, abdominal discomfort, joint pain, and disorientation.The infection can be localized or disseminated, affecting multiple organs like the liver, spleen, lungs, bones, joints, lymph system, prostate, and brain.Diagnosis involves culturing blood, urine, sputum, or abscess fluid. Treatment includes intravenous antimicrobials like ceftazidime or meropenem, followed by oral antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or doxycycline.

Example 1: A patient presents with persistent fever, cough, and chest pain after returning from Southeast Asia. Cultures reveal Burkholderia pseudomallei, confirming subacute melioidosis., A patient with a pre-existing skin wound develops localized infection and swelling after exposure to contaminated water in a rural area.The infection is identified as melioidosis., A farmer in Australia develops chronic melioidosis with multiple organ involvement, including lung abscesses and joint pain, after long-term exposure to contaminated soil.

Symptoms, travel history, exposure to potentially contaminated soil or water, laboratory results (cultures, serology), imaging studies (if applicable to assess organ involvement), and treatment details.