The Melioidosis Program consists of a number of projects conducting research into the bacteriumBurkholderia pseudomallei (the cause of melioidosis) found in Northern Australia. The project looks at the bacteria and its relationship with humans, animals and the natural environment. The aims of the project are:

• To Improve treatment protocols to reduce mortality from melioidosis
• The development of rapid molecular diagnostic test (Real-Time PCR) for melioidosis from patient samples.
• The development and use of molecular typing methods (MLST, VNTR and PFGE) to determine if particular strains of B. pseudomallei are responsible for particular disease presentations of melioidosis and if there are geographical patterns of infection.
• Environmental monitoring for the presence of B. pseudomallei in the Top End environment, developing molecular detection of B. pseudomallei from environmental samples and further development of environmental culture techniques.
• Development of a prediction map using environmental data to identify potential hot spots in North Australia for the presence of B. pseudomallei.
• Work with collaborators both nationally and internationally to develop the most comprehensive B. pseudomallei culture collection in the world.

This work will lead to an improved treatment protocol to reduce mortality from melioidosis in Northern Australia. The use of Real-Time PCR for early detection and diagnosis of melioidosis in patients will allow earlier appropriate treatment.