# Serologic Evidence of Exposure to Burkholderia pseudomallei, Nigeria

## TL;DR

The study found that 30% of healthy Nigerians showed signs of past exposure to the bacteria that causes melioidosis.

## Contribution

This is the first study in Nigeria to use a protein microarray to detect exposure to Burkholderia pseudomallei.

## Key findings

- 30% of participants showed serologic evidence of exposure to Burkholderia pseudomallei.
- The study used a protein microarray to detect exposure in healthy individuals.
- Melioidosis may be more prevalent in Nigeria than previously reported.

## Abstract

Melioidosis is an underreported cause of community-acquired pneumonia and sepsis in Nigeria. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a Burkholderia pseudomallei protein microarray in 500 healthy participants from Nigeria. We observed a serologic response supportive of past exposure to the causative agent of melioidosis in 30% of study participants.