Melioidosis imported to Northern Germany: a case report series

Melioidosis is a serious infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a bacterium found in soil, water, and plants in tropical and subtropical regions. The infection can present with a range of clinical symptoms and may be fatal without appropriate treatment.

We present four confirmed cases of melioidosis in patients with a history as tourists travelling to endemic areas. These cases illustrate the diverse clinical manifestations of the infection, ranging from respiratory tract involvement to multiple organ abscesses, as well as the therapeutic approaches employed.

Melioidosis is a severe infection with variable clinical presentations, including fever, night sweats, weight loss, dyspnoea, and abscess formation at different sites. The broad spectrum of symptoms complicates diagnosis. Therefore, melioidosis should be considered in returning travellers from endemic regions presenting with compatible clinical features. Prolonged antibiotic treatment is essential for effective infection control.