melioidosis

[ mel-ee-oi-doh-sis ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a contagious pulmonary disease of rodents that is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas pseudomallei and is frequently transmitted to humans in moist climates of southeastern Asia.

Word History and Origins

Origin of melioidosis¹

1920–25; < Greek mēlí ( s ) glanders, or a similar distemper affecting asses + -oid + -osis

Example Sentences

It is not common for melioidosis to pass from person to person, and infections typically start after a person is exposed to contaminated water or soil.

From Washington Post