Melioidosis in Colombia, description of a clinical case and epidemiological considerations

Abstract

Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. whose clinical diagnosis can be difficult due not only to its varied clinical presentation, but also to the difficulties in the microbiological diagnosis, so once it is suspected it may be necessary to use molecular techniques for its proper identification. There are few antibiotics available for the treatment of this disease, which must be used over a long period of time. Although it is known to be endemic in Thailand, Malasia, Singapore, Vietnam and Australia, in Colombia there are few reported cases. We describe a case of melioidosis, in the northern region of Colombia. Moreover, we review the clinical characteristics and treatment, as well as description of the local epidemiology of this disease.