Abscesses due to Melioidosis: A case-based review

Abstract

Melioidosis is caused by percutaneous inoculation or inhalation of Burkholderia pseudomallei, predominantly among individuals with risk factors (diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, etc.) from endemic areas of South Asia, Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. While some patients present acutely with sepsis and multi-organ failure, others present with a subacute to chronic course characterised by abscess formation. We present nine representative cases, each with an abscess at a separate site (lung, skin, bone/ joint, prostate, parotid gland, liver, spleen, brain and orbits). Using these cases as examples, we reviewed the literature on abscesses in various organs.