Abstract
Melioidosis is an infectious disease which is associated with high rate of mortality. We reviewed 33 patients treated in our hospital over a period of 14 months. About half (55%) of these patient presented with one focus of infection while the rest had multifocal infections. 81% require drainage of abscess or arthrotomy. Four patients (12%) died as a result of septicaemia and the rate is lower than those reported in literature. We conclude that mortality of melioidosis can reduce with early diagnosis followed by appropriate and prolonged antibiotic therapy.
Highlights
Melioidosis is an infectious disease that is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei first described in Rangoon, Burma in 1912 by Whitmore and Krishnaswami 1, amongst debilitated homeless morphine addicts
Pneumonia is the most common presentation and is associated with a high mortality rate . 2,3,4,5,10,11 Extremity presentation of melioidosis is common in the orthopaedic setting and includes septic arthritis and infection involving skin and subcutaneous tissue . 3,19,20 Increased awareness and a high index of suspicion are required to reduce the morbidity and mortality due to this infection
In cases with negative culture results, but with a high index of suspicion of melioidosis, serum for serology was sent to Kuala Lumpur Hospital for analysis
Summary
Melioidosis is an infectious disease that is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei first described in Rangoon, Burma in 1912 by Whitmore and Krishnaswami 1, amongst debilitated homeless morphine addicts. Burkholderia pseudomallei is commonly found in the soil and water, and is endemic in Asia, Southeast Asia and Northern Australia 2. Infection with this organism is associated with high mortality rate in animals and humans in the tropics 3. Most infection was thought to be via percutaneous inoculation and can affect any part of the body 4. Pneumonia is the most common presentation and is associated with a high mortality rate . 2,3,4,5,10,11 Extremity presentation of melioidosis is common in the orthopaedic setting and includes septic arthritis and infection involving skin and subcutaneous tissue . We conducted this study to review melioidosis cases treated in this institution and their outcome of treatment
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