Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 14, 2026
03:42
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Retroperitoneal Approach for Necrotizing Pancreatitis
Published on: March 15, 2024
1.5K
Splenic abscesses in a returning traveler.
Richard F Guo1, Frances L Wong2, Mario L Perez3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center , Fontana, CA, USA.
Infectious Disease Reports
|April 16, 2015
Summary
Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia, is a serious infection. Early diagnosis and treatment in travelers returning from endemic areas like the Philippines are crucial for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Melioidosis is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, an aerobic gram-negative bacterium.
- The organism is prevalent in soil and water, particularly in Southeast Asia.
- Melioidosis presents a diagnostic challenge, especially in returning travelers.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old male traveler returning from the Philippines presented with splenic hypodense lesions.
- Abdominal CT scan revealed lesions consistent with infection.
- Culture confirmed the presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei.
Findings:
- The patient received intravenous ceftazidime for initial treatment.
- Oral doxycycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were used for eradication therapy.
- Complete symptom resolution was achieved post-treatment.
Implications:
- Melioidosis should be a key consideration in the differential diagnosis of febrile illnesses with abscesses in travelers from endemic regions.
- Prompt recognition and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are vital for successful patient outcomes.
- This case highlights the importance of travel history in diagnosing infectious diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
739
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
739
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
1.6K
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
1.6K
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
861
Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
861
01:27Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
1.3K
Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such...
1.3K
01:18Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents
561
Acute diarrhea, a common gastrointestinal disturbance, is characterized by the rapid evacuation of fluid stools, leading to an excessive weight in fluid. This condition typically arises from disorders affecting intestinal water and electrolyte transport. It can be triggered by an increased osmotic load within the intestine, excessive secretion of electrolytes and water, mucosal exudation of protein and fluid, or altered intestinal motility. The primary risks of acute diarrhea are dehydration...
561
01:30Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
1.1K
Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
1.1K