In a significant effort to enhance awareness and understanding of the critical infectious disease, Melioidosis, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal successfully organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) Program on January 2.
The event, held at AIIMS Bhopal, brought together esteemed healthcare professionals and researchers to delve into various aspects of Melioidosis. Melioidosis, a rare but serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, has gained attention in Madhya Pradesh due to its endemicity in the region. Department of Microbiology at AIIMS Bhopal has been diagnosing cases of Melioidosis for the past three years.
The disease has high mortality rate with majority of cases found in rural areas particularly among individuals associated with agricultural activities. This potentially fatal disease can manifest with a wide range of symptoms, making early diagnosis crucial. Awareness and understanding of Melioidosis are vital for healthcare professionals and clinical microbiologists, as efforts to combat the fatal disease.
The distinguished guests of the event were Dr. Harpreet Kaur, Scientist 'G' at ICMR, New Delhi and Dr. Chiranjay Mukhopadhyay, who is Professor at Kasturba Medical College (KMC) Manipal. Dr. Harpreet Kaur delivered the opening remarks sharing valuable insights into the current landscape of infectious diseases in India and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to combat emerging health challenges.
The highlight of the event was the enlightening guest lecture 'Melioidosis: The Great Masquerader' delivered by Dr. Mukhopadhyay who is a lead researcher working on Melioidosis with an experience of 18 years. He enlightened the attendees by providing a comprehensive overview of Melioidosis, covering its epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment modalities. His expertise and engaging presentation style captivated the audience, fostering a deeper understanding of this often-under diagnosed disease. Another compelling lecture was delivered by Dr. Ayush Gupta, Associate Professor at the Department of Microbiology AIIMS Bhopal, who is also the Principle Investigator of ICMR sanctioned projects on Melioidosis. His presentation focused on the present state of Melioidosis cases in Madhya Pradesh.
The CME Program facilitated an interactive platform for healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and discuss best practices in managing and preventing Melioidosis. Participants benefited from the collective wisdom of experts and gained valuable insights that will contribute to the enhancement of healthcare strategies in the region.
