Melioidosis in an adult male

Infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei has been described, albeit rarely, patients in Bangladesh. Infection usually follows percutaneous inoculation or inhalation of the causative bacterium, which is present in soil and surface water in the endemic region. A 35-year-young male farmer presented with prolonged fever and significant weight loss. Patient gradually deteriorated despite getting different antibiotics including intravenous ceftriaxone and metronidazole. Panels of investigations were done which revealed no diagnostic confirmation except uncontrolled diabetes and multiple abscesses in different organs. Melioidosis was suspected and serum samples were positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei antibody. The case illustrates the importance of non-specific nature of the clinical presentation and high index of suspicion of uncommon diseases like melioidosis where the disease has not been considered as an endemic.