[Melioidosis is a rare diagnosis among returning travellers with fever]

The causative organism of melioidosis is Burkholderia pseudomallei, a Gram-negative bacterium endemic to Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. The clinical presentation varies, ranging from asymptomatic cases to rapidly progressive septicaemia and shock. Abscesses may be found in any internal organ. We describe an infrequent presentation of melioidosis with various symptoms, including haematuria and rectal pain. Perirectal and prostatic abscesses were found, the causative organism was identified and relevant treatment administered, resulting in a full recovery.