Abscesses due to Melioidosis: A case-based review.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Melioidosis is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a bacterium prevalent in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Northern Australia.
• Risk factors include diabetes mellitus and immunosuppression, increasing susceptibility to infection.
• Infection occurs via percutaneous inoculation or inhalation, leading to acute sepsis or chronic abscess formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present representative cases of melioidosis presenting with abscesses.
• To review the literature on organ-specific abscesses caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei.
• To illustrate the diverse clinical manifestations of melioidosis.

Main Methods:

• Case series of nine patients with melioidosis-related abscesses.
• Detailed review of the literature on melioidosis abscesses in various organs.
• Analysis of clinical presentations and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Nine distinct cases of melioidosis abscesses were identified in the lung, skin, bone/joint, prostate, parotid gland, liver, spleen, brain, and orbits.
• Patients exhibited varied clinical courses, from acute sepsis to subacute/chronic presentations.
• Literature review confirmed the wide range of organ involvement in melioidosis.

Conclusions:

• Melioidosis can manifest as abscesses in virtually any organ.
• Recognizing diverse presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
• Further research into management strategies for melioidosis abscesses is warranted.