Melioidosis in Mexico: Description of the Disease, Review of Human Cases, and Public Health Impact

Purpose of the Review: Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a Gram-negative bacterium found in the environment, primarily inhabiting moist soil and surface waters in tropical and subtropical regions. For decades, the disease was considered exclusive to Southeast Asia and northern Australia; however, evidence accumulated in recent years has demonstrated that its geographical distribution is much wider, encompassing various regions of Latin America and Mexico. Recent Findings: Although the number of reported cases in Mexico remains relatively low compared to classically endemic areas, numerous studies suggest that both the disease and the pathogen are significantly underdiagnosed due to a lack of clinical familiarity, limited epidemiological surveillance, and diagnostic constraints. Summary: This review describes the disease and human cases in Mexico and argues why melioidosis represents an emerging public health problem in the region.