Neurological melioidosis complicated by cerebral venous sinus thrombosis

Abstract

Melioidosis is a systemic disease endemic in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. The spectrum of the disease varies from asymptomatic infection to severe systemic manifestations. Timely diagnosis and treatment of melioidosis is a challenge due to its atypical presentations. We report a case of meli-oidosis causing cerebral abscesses and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Occurrence of these neurological manifestations in melioidosis is rare and it is a difficult condition to diagnose and treat. Timely diagnosis was a challenge in this patient due to the atypical presentation and the use of empirical antibiotics in the primary care setting. Limited laboratory diagnostic capability also contributed to this delay.