Management of accidental exposure to Burkholderia pseudomallei

Diagnostic laboratories worldwide are increasingly likely to isolate Burkholderia pseudomallei from clinical specimens, and laboratory research involving the use of this species is also increasing. Guidelines are required to provide laboratory and medical professionals with background information on the organism, actions required prior to working with it, assessment of risk factors and actions required in the event of accidental exposure to B. pseudomallei, and the management of seroconversion and culture-confirmed melioidosis. The evidence on which to formulate these guidelines is largely absent and current recommendations are based on expert opinion. These are presented here, together with current supporting evidence from animal models.