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Melioidosis: An uncommon cause of neck abscess

Drishya Jayakumar1, Meera Nandakumar2, Vadisha Bhat3

  • 1Junior Resident, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, KS Hegde Medical Academy, Deralakatte, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, KA, India.

Tropical Doctor
|September 9, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Melioidosis, a serious infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, can lead to rare neck abscesses. Early diagnosis and treatment of these abscesses are vital for patient recovery and preventing severe complications.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Melioidosis is a severe disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei.
  • Burkholderia pseudomallei is a facultative intracellular pathogen, complicating treatment and requiring long-term patient monitoring.
  • Neck abscesses due to Burkholderia are uncommon but clinically significant.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of considering Burkholderia as a cause of neck abscesses.
  • To present clinical cases of neck abscesses caused by Burkholderia.
  • To emphasize the need for prompt diagnosis and effective treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Case series reporting on three patients with neck abscesses.
  • Clinical data collection and analysis.
  • Review of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

  • Three cases of neck abscesses caused by Burkholderia were successfully treated.
  • The study underscores the importance of recognizing this rare presentation of melioidosis.
  • Prompt intervention led to favorable patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Neck abscesses should be considered in the differential diagnosis of head and neck infections, especially in endemic areas.
  • Early identification and management of Burkholderia-associated neck abscesses are critical.
  • Effective treatment protocols can improve prognosis and prevent sequelae.
Keywords:
Burkholderia pseudomalleiantibioticsincision and drainagemelioidosisneck abscess

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