Melioidosis with Septic Shock and Disseminated Infection in a Neutropenic Patient Receiving Chemotherapy

Abstract

Melioidosis is a bacterial infection, caused by Gram-negative bacillus, Burkholderia pseudomallei , widespread in Southeast Asia and the northern part of Australia, resulting in a high mortality rate in severe infection. However, it has rarely been reported in patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. The authors described a case of melioidosis in a neutropenic patient presenting with septic shock after receiving chemotherapy. Blood and urine cultures were positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei , and CT scan showed multiple pulmonary nodules and hepatosplenic abscesses. The patient was successfully treated with antibiotics for the infection and with combined modalities for a malignancy.