Background: Burkholderia pseudomallei is a saprophytic, aerobic, non-sporing, nonfermenting, facultative intracellular, motile, Gram-negative bacillus found in tropical and subtropical regions. Melioidosis can range from asymptomatic infection to life-threatening disease affecting the internal organs, particularly when host immunity is compromised. Delayed clinical presentation and lack of access to critical care resources in high-prevalence areas contribute significantly to this disease burden. This disease has a high case fatality rate in endemic areas. Written consent was obtained from the patients after the study was explained to them. This case series aimed to increase physicians' awareness of melioidosis in high-risk patients presenting with diverse clinical symptoms, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and ensuring timely and appropriate treatment.
Case Presentation: Case series: Case 1: a 40-year-old male with septic pulmonary emboli; Case 2: a 72-year-old female with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Type II respiratory failure; Case 3: a 25-year-old female with septic arthritis; Case 4: a 69-year-old male with pneumonia and bacteraemia; and Case 5: a 54-year-old male with diabetic nephropathy and chronic kidney disease. Appropriate samples were collected from all cases, and identification of the isolated organisms and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the VITEK 2 automated compact system. The patients were treated with appropriate supportive measures. Among the five cases, three had better outcomes, whereas two cases deteriorated.
Conclusion: This case series emphasizes that clinicians should be aware of the risk of melioidosis, particularly during the rainy season. Diagnostic testing should be improved to ensure timely detection and treatment.
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