Title : Pulmonary manifestations of chronic melioidosis in a patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A case report
Abstract:
Background: The Philippines, being a tropical country, makes for an interesting reservoir for diverse bacterial flora. One such pathogen is the Burkholderia pseudomallei, a Gram-negative pathogen, found in moist soil and rainwater. Cases increase during the monsoon rains, which occur bi-annually from June to September as well as November to February. Highly susceptible are patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus who are already affected by the presence of chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction.
Objective: To present a case of melioidosis presenting with a two-month history of intermittent episodes of fever associated with generalized body weakness, and chills.
Case: A 55-year-old Filipino female with poorly controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus was admitted in severe cardiorespiratory distress and placed on high flow nasal cannula. Patient was RT-PCR negative and was initially started on Meropenem. Blood Culture and Sensitivity results came out positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei. Meropenem was completed for 7 days. Patient was also started on Ceftazidime, thereafter, the patient gradually improved and was discharged.
Conclusion: Melioidosis is a lesser diagnosed disease entity in the Philippines. Despite advances in antibiotics, it may still be a formidable disease as it is still associated with significant mortality due to sepsis and difficulty of diagnosis.
