Orofacial abscesses: An unusual clinical presentation of melioidosis (case report)

Abstract

Melioidosis is a tropical infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, an endemic bacterium in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia, with only a few imported cases reported in non-endemic areas. This article aims to describe an unusual oral and facial presentation of melioidosis and to give an update on this disease, which is relatively unknown in Europe. A 57-year-old man, returning from Thailand, developed a submental abscess and satellite suppurative lymphadenopathy, resulting in odynophagia. Diagnosis depends on a proper identification in systematic bacteriological samples. Surgical drainage of the submental abscess associated with prolonged and targeted antibiotherapy (intravenous ceftazidime and oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) led to complete recovery. Optimal staging and prolonged follow-up must be pursued for early detection of melioidosis reccurences. As a potential life-threatening infection, early diagnosis, staging, and appropriate treatment are crucial.