Critical approach to atypical spectrum of melioidosis: a case-series based literature review

Abstract

Melioidosis is an emerging infectious disease with highest predominance in Southeast Asia, but it has a significantly lower incidence across other parts of the globe. The most common systemic involvement seen in melioidosis is pulmonary, followed by multiple visceral and cutaneous abscesses. Infrequently, melioidosis manifests with atypical presentations such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), acute pyogenic meningitis or septic arthritis. Our primary case discusses an extremely rare presentation of melioidosis with SBP. There have not been any cases of SBP reported secondary to melioidosis infection. The second case exhibits development of acute pyogenic meningitis from haematogenous dissemination of this organism, while the final case demonstrates musculoskeletal melioidosis as an uncommon presentation. Of note, this case series also discusses the guidelines of management of melioidosis and illustrates the tremendous impact of appropriate and timely antibiotic therapy on mortality and morbidity secondary to melioidosis.