Pseudomonas pseudomallei infection in camels

Abstract

We read with interest the report on melioidosis in camels by Bergin and Torenbeeck (1991). In January 1990, we isolated Pseudomonas pseudomallei from a camel at Mingela, northern Queensland, which had severe, purulent bronchopneumonia. This camel differed in its clinical presentation from the animal described by Bergin and Torenbeeck (1991) from which P pseudomallei was isolated by the Rockhampton Veterinary Laboratory. The attending veterinarian found the 8-year-old bull camel to be pyrexic, distressed, dehydrated and disinterested in its environment. Ataxia, particularly of the hind limbs, was evident when attempts were made to move it.