Esteemed Colleague,

It is a proud privilege for us to host the 4th South Asian Melioidosis Congress (SAMC), 2025, for the first time in Assam, India. We cordially invite you to the unparalleled opportunities for learning and connection that await you in the beautiful city of Guwahati, Assam, India. We welcome you all to join us from the 26th to 27th of November, 2025 at the SAMC.

Melioidosis, a neglected and potentially fatal infectious disease predominant in tropical regions around the world. Burkholderiapseudomallei, the causative pathogen, is a “great mimicker” because of its wide range of clinical manifestations mimicking other diseases which are still unfamiliar. Although automated culture identification systems can easily identify the organism, manual identification methods often misidentify it, leading to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or inadequate treatment, despite the availability of appropriate antibiotics.Melioidosis's diverse manifestations, ranging from acute sepsis to chronic granulomatous infections and localized abscesses, often lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. This diagnostic challenge is amplified by its ability to affect virtually any organ system, mimicking tuberculosis, fungal infections, malignancies, and even autoimmune disorders. The bacterium is closely linked to environmental factors, residing in soil and water and acquired through breaches in the skin, inhalation, or ingestion.

This conference aims to raise awareness of this "great mimicker" to enhance patient care by addressing under diagnosis, promoting early detection, and fostering effective management strategies among healthcare professionals, ultimately striving for improved patient outcomes and reduced morbidity and mortality associated with this elusive disease.

The theme “Melioidosis: The Great Mimicker” will bring together a huge amalgamation of experts from South Asian countries and around the globe to exchange their knowledge on all important aspects of melioidosis.

With tales of conquest, dominance, victory, and chivalry, Assam has a great history and cultural heritage. The “Pyramids of India”, a UNESCO site in Charaideo, is a revered burial ground of Ahom dynasty, which ruled Assam for 600 years, was founded in 1228 AC. The discovery of Camellia sinensis in 1834 in Assam contributed to the emergence of Assam as a major player, with 10% of the global tea production. Established in 1908, the Kaziranga National Park, located on the edge of the Eastern Himalaya is home to two-thirds of the world’s Great One-horned Rhinos and the endangered Wild Asiatic Water Buffalo, along with elephants, tigers, panthers, bears, and many varieties of birds is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Assam also boasts of one of the biggest River Islands in the world, the Majuli Island, which lies on the Brahmaputra River and is home to twenty-one Satras. This island has been on the tentative list of UNESCO Heritage Sites of India since 2004.

We are hopeful that this congress will be a splendid platform for sharing the unrevealed secrets of melioidosis.

Your participation and presence would be an honor, and we appreciate your contribution to the success of 4thSAMC 2025, at GMCH Auditorium, Guwahati, Assam, India.

Warm regards
Organising committee
SAMC 2025