Klinische Infektionskrankheiten: Open Access

Melioidosis Case Series: Various Clinical Presentations and Risk Factors

Abstract

Ibrahim Azlina* and Wan Zakaria Wan Helmi

Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused primarily in countries with tropical climates, especially Southeast Asia and Northern Australia, by the bacterium Burkholderia Pseudomallei. The bacteria can be found in contaminated water and soil and it is spread to humans and animals by direct contact with the contaminated source. Melioidosis can involve multiple system which can lead to severe infections and fatal. We report on three cases of melioidosis in the Bentong district of Malaysia over a 12-month period; a 61-year-old man with a right elbow abscess; a 69-year-old man with a recurrent admission and splenic abscess; and a 24-year-old young man with a splenic abscess. The first two patients had poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, while the third patient did not have any comorbidities, but operated on oil palm plantations. All these patients remained in Bentong, Pahang. Pahang is the largest state in the Peninsular of Malaysia, with the production of rubber and oil palms as its key economic source. This case series highlights differences in presentation of melioidosis and occupational exposure as a risk factor for melioidosis in addition to poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.