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DISEASES : Glanders
![]() Glanders is an infectious disease that is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei. Glanders is primarily a disease affecting horses, but it also affects donkeys and mules and can be naturally contracted by goats, dogs, and cats. Burkholderia mallei is an organism that is associated infrequently with infections in laboratory workers because so very few organisms are required to cause disease. The organism has been considered as a potential agent for biological warfare and of biological terrorism. Geographically, the disease is endemic in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America. Symptoms and Signs
The symptoms of glanders depend upon the route of infection with the organism. The types of infection include localized, pus-forming cutaneous infections, pulmonary infections, bloodstream infections, and chronic suppurative infections of the skin. Generalized symptoms of glanders include fever, muscle aches, chest pain, muscle tightness, and headache. Additional symptoms have included excessive tearing of the eyes, light sensitivity, and diarrhea. Localized infections : Pulmonary infections : Bloodstream infections : Chronic infections : Mode of Transmission
Glanders is transmitted to humans by direct contact with infected animals. The bacteria enter the body through inoculation of or break in the skin and through mucosal surfaces of the eyes and nose. The sporadic cases have been documented in veterinarians, horse caretakers, and laboratory workers. In addition to animal exposure, cases of human-to-human transmission have been reported. These cases included two suggested cases of sexual transmission and several cases in family members who cared for the patients. Glanders may be used in bioterrorism. The most likely exposure would be through its use in a substance that would make direct contact with an individual, such as a powder. Incubation Period
The incubation period is highly variable, usually from 1 to 14 days. Manifestation of the disease can be delayed for up to 10 years. Laboratory Diagnosis
The disease is diagnosed in the laboratory by isolating Burkholderia mallei from blood, sputum, urine, or skin lesions. Serologic assays are not available. For sending specimens to the Central Public Health Laboratory, physicians must call 416-235-6100 during work hours and 416-605-3113 after work hours prior to submission. Specimens should be handled according to universal precautions and packaged for transport to the Central Public Health Laboratory according to the Transportation of Dangerous Good regulation. Treatment*
Because human cases of glanders are rare, there is limited information about antibiotic treatment of the organism in humans. Sulfadiazine has been found to be an effective in experimental animals and in humans. Burkholderia mallei is usually sensitive to tetracyclines, ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, novobiocin, gentamicin, imipenem, ceftrazidime, and the sulfonamides. Resistance to chloramphenicol has been reported. Immunization
There is no vaccine available for glanders. In countries where glanders is endemic in animals, prevention of the disease in humans involves identification and elimination of the infection in the animal population. Within the health care setting, transmission can be prevented by using common blood and body fluid precautions. Reporting
Although glanders is not a reportable disease in Ontario, it is requested that suspect cases be reported immediately to the public health branch by telephone (work hours 416-235-6100, off hours 416-605-3113). Glanders is also a reportable animal disease in Canada and suspect animal cases should be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. |
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Call the ministry INFOline at 1-800-268-1154 (Toll-free in Ontario only) In Toronto, call 416-314-5518 TTY 1-800-387-5559 Hours of operation : 8:30am - 5:00pm |
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