Musculoskeletal melioidosis.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Musculoskeletal Infections

Background:

• Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, endemic in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia.
• Global travel and population movement contribute to its increasing worldwide recognition.
• Clinical presentations vary from severe septicemia to localized infections, often involving multiple organs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the causative organism of melioidosis.
• To describe clinical manifestations and imaging features of musculoskeletal melioidosis.
• To emphasize diagnostic challenges and treatment importance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of melioidosis, focusing on musculoskeletal involvement.
• Analysis of clinical presentations and radiological findings.
• Discussion of diagnostic criteria and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• Musculoskeletal melioidosis commonly presents as septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, pyomyositis, or soft tissue abscesses.
• Clinical and radiological signs are often nonspecific, requiring high suspicion for diagnosis.
• Concurrent lung and visceral organ infections suggest melioidosis.

Conclusions:

• Musculoskeletal melioidosis diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion due to nonspecific manifestations.
• Prompt and appropriate treatment is vital to reduce high mortality and prevent disease relapse.
• Specialized laboratory facilities and expertise are necessary for managing melioidosis.