Acute suppurative parotitis caused by Pseudomonas pseudomallei in children

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatrics
• Microbiology

Background:

• Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by *Pseudomonas pseudomallei*.
• Suppurative parotitis is a less common but significant presentation of melioidosis, particularly in children.
• Northeast Thailand is an endemic region for melioidosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical characteristics of suppurative parotitis caused by *Pseudomonas pseudomallei* in children.
• To highlight the prevalence and potential complications of this presentation.
• To assess the diagnostic and prognostic significance of parotitis in pediatric melioidosis.

Main Methods:

• Prospective clinical study in northeast Thailand.
• Inclusion of nine pediatric cases with culture-confirmed melioidosis presenting as parotitis.
• Clinical observation and documentation of symptoms, complications, and treatment responses.

Main Results:

• Suppurative parotitis accounted for 38% of pediatric melioidosis cases.
• Complications included abscess formation, spontaneous rupture, facial nerve palsy, septicemia, and osteomyelitis.
• Two patients showed rising mumps virus antibody titers, suggesting a potential co-infection or differential diagnosis consideration.
• All children responded well to surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy.

Conclusions:

• *Pseudomonas pseudomallei* parotitis is a key presentation of melioidosis in endemic pediatric populations.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes and preventing complications.
• This presentation can serve as an important clinical indicator for melioidosis surveillance in endemic areas.