Melioidosis presenting predominantly as thoracic empyema

Ngoc-Huyen Dao-Thi, Au Nguyen-Tiet, Lam Nguyen-HoJournal of Global Infectious Diseases 2022 14(2):87-89 Burkholderia pseudomallei has been rarely mentioned as a causative organism of thoracic empyema in previous literature. Here, we reported two cases (a 66-year-old male farmer and a 57-year-old male security guard) presenting with fever and pleuritic chest pain. Their chest computed tomography scans revealed pleural effusion which was frank pus confirmed through thoracentesis. The result of pus culture isolated B. pseudomallei suitable to diagnose melioidosis. These patients were treated successfully with appropriate antibiotics without chest tube drainage. Although uncommon, melioidosis could present exclusively as thoracic empyema.
Source: Journal of Global Infectious Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Source Type: research