Reactivation of latent melioidosis presenting with acute pyelonephritis and bacteremia

We report an interesting case involving an 81-year-old male patient who presented to our hospital with sepsis secondary to pyelonephritis and bacteremia. Blood cultures were positive for a Gram-negative bacillus, Burkholderia pseudomallei. His risk factors were diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease including travel to an endemic area. The patient received antibiotic therapy in accordance with the national guidelines. This is the first report of reactivation of latent melioidosis in the literature manifesting as pyelonephritis and bacteremia.