Pacemaker infection secondary to burkholderia pseudomallei

Imran Zainal Abidin1, Syahidah Syed Tamin, Lian Huat Tan

  • 1Cardiology Unit, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Insights

Pacemaker infections are rare but serious complications. This case details a successful treatment for a pacemaker infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a tropical pathogen, using device removal and antibiotics.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Tropical Medicine

Background:

  • Intracardiac device implantation, such as pacemakers, carries a risk of infection.
  • Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a severe and often fatal infection endemic in tropical regions.

Observation:

  • A rare case of pacemaker infection was identified.
  • The causative agent was confirmed as Burkholderia pseudomallei.

Findings:

  • The patient's pacemaker infection was successfully treated.
  • Treatment involved the explantation of the infected device.
  • Appropriate antimicrobial therapy was administered.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering melioidosis in pacemaker infections, especially in endemic areas.
  • Demonstrates the efficacy of surgical explantation and targeted antibiotics for device-related Burkholderia pseudomallei infections.
  • Underscores the need for vigilance regarding rare but devastating infectious complications of cardiac devices.

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