Aim:

The aim of the Closing the loop on life-threatening melioidosis infections: observational research informing clinical practice change and policy for adults with severe kidney disease study is to determine the efficacy and safety of prophylaxis with daily oral TMP/SXT for melioidosis in haemodialysis patients from the Top End during the wet season from November 2014 to April 2015.

Summary:

Territorians who need dialysis to manage severe kidney disease were among a very high risk group susceptible for melioidosis infections and related harms[1].  In response to this, we undertook this study. 

Implications for policy and practice:

This practice has been successfully embedded in standard care in the Top-End of the Northern Territory.

Our research has found:

Melioidosis risk can be significantly minimized in this high risk group through a comprehensive strategy providing useful and meaningful information to clients and dialysis health care staff, along with the antibiotic prevention treatment.

Chief investigators:
Start date:

September 2014

 

[1]

  • Chalmers, R.M., Majoni, S.W., Ward, L., Perry, G.J., Jabbar, Z., Currie, B.J. (2014). Melioidosis and end-stage renal disease in tropical northern Australia. Kidney International, 86(5), 867-70.
  • Jabbar, Z., Currie, B.J. (2013). Melioidosis and the kidney. Nephrology, 18(3),169-75.