'Lung disease linked to diabetes under-diagnosed in India'

Kolkata, May 6 (IANS) An infectious lung disease - melioidosis - which is linked to diabetics is grossly under-diagnosed in India, according to a British expert.

The disease is caused by a bacterium called Burkholderia pseudomallei, commonly found in stagnant water, soil and paddy fields, said Clive Cockram, an endocrinologist.

He said about 50 percent cases of melioidosis occur in patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.

"It is under-diagnosed in India. In the west coast of India, over 75 percent of people have diabetes," he said, highlighting the extent of under-reporting during his presentation at the Diabetes Update 2014 here recently.

Melioidosis is common in southeast Asia and northern Australia.

Stressing that diabetics are susceptible to infections, Cockram pointed out that the disease also increases the risk of active tuberculosis.