Melioidosis-commonly missed, yet not uncommon and eminently treatable

Abstract

It would be a wise practice for intensivists to always consider the diagnosis of melioidosis in all patients with undifferentiated septic shock, focal abscesses, and severe community-acquired or necrotizing pneumonia. Culturing adequate volumes of blood before giving antibiotics and obtaining cultures from the clinically involved sites facilitates the diagnosis. Empiric therapy should always include a carbapenem till the diagnosis is excluded or confirmed and appropriate management usually leads to an extremely satisfactory outcome. Keywords: Burkholderia, Carbapenem, Melioidosis.