A Successful Salvage Story - Burkholderiapseudomallei Pneumonia With Septicaemia In A Healthy Adult Gentleman

Melioidosis is an infection caused by the facultative intracellular gram-negative bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei. The disease characterically occurs in well-defined endemic geographic areas. Severe septicemic disease and fatalities are uncommon in those without defined risk factors, although fulminant presentation has been reported in the apparent healthy subject. We describe the case of a young adult gentleman with no comorbid conditions who presented with acute pneumonia and respiratory failure. Sputum and blood cultures yielded Burkholderia Pseudomallei. Treatment was initiated as per current recommendations, which translated to clinical and radiological resolution. He remains relapse free as of current follow up.