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Melioidosis presenting with isolated splenic abscesses: a case report
Chun-Yu Lin1, Tun-Chieh Chen, Po-Liang Lu
1Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
|August 2, 2007
Summary
Melioidosis, a rare cause of splenic abscesses in Taiwan, requires clinical consideration. Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotics, like meropenem, are crucial for successful treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Splenic abscesses are uncommon infections.
- Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is endemic in Southeast Asia but rarely reported in Taiwan.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for favorable outcomes.
Observation:
- A middle-aged male presented with prolonged fever, chills, and malaise.
- Initial diagnosis suggested Serratia marcescens splenic abscesses, but antibiotic treatment was ineffective.
- The patient's condition improved after initiating meropenem.
Findings:
- Repeated fine-needle aspiration and culture confirmed Burkholderia pseudomallei as the causative agent.
- The patient was diagnosed with melioidosis based on microbiological evidence.
- This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of melioidosis presenting as splenic abscesses.
Implications:
- Physicians should consider melioidosis in patients with splenic abscesses, especially in endemic or potentially exposed regions.
- Accurate microbiological identification is critical for targeted antimicrobial therapy.
- Raising awareness of melioidosis can improve early diagnosis and patient management.
