Evidence of expanding geographic distribution of melioidosis in Bangladesh: reports of three cases

Abstract

Melioidosis is an emerging infectious disease in Bangladesh. Reported cases are mostly diagnosed among inhabitants of central and north-east zone of the country. We report three cases of melioidosis occurring among patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease from not well-known endemic areas within the country. Patients presented with fever, anorexia and weight loss. Laboratory reports confirmed growth of Burkholderia pseudomallei from blood and urine. These cases are reported to increase awareness among physicians regarding melioidosis occurring beyond the so-called hot spots in Bangladesh. BIRDEM Med J 2021; 11(3): 239-242

Community acquired pneumonia due to Klebsiella pneumoniae and Burkholderia pseudomallei co-infection in a diabetic patient: a case report

“…Till date, less than one hundred cases are reported, mostly from north-east zones of the country and it is only the tip of the iceberg and definitely far beyond the estimated case numbers and deaths. 7,8 Melioidosis can present with acute presentations like pneumonia, cutaneous and organ abscesses, genitourinary infections, septic arthritis, septicaemia and septic shock. 2,3,[5][6][7] Sub-acute and chronic presentations may result from inappropriate and inadequate antibiotic treatments and such presentations mimic tuberculosis.…”

“…7,8 Melioidosis can present with acute presentations like pneumonia, cutaneous and organ abscesses, genitourinary infections, septic arthritis, septicaemia and septic shock. 2,3,[5][6][7] Sub-acute and chronic presentations may result from inappropriate and inadequate antibiotic treatments and such presentations mimic tuberculosis. Co-infection by B. pseudomallei and K. pneumonia were rarely reported in literature.…”