[Septic melioidosis following a visit to India]

A case is reported of lethal septicemic melioidosis due to Pseudomonas pseudomallei in a 40-year-old woman who had been in India. The epidemiology, clinical findings and management of this unusual disease are discussed. The diagnostic value of serological tests and in vitro sensitivity of Pseudomonas pseudomallei to various antibiotics are outlined. Melioidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any febrile condition in a person returning from a tropical country.