• Lei Huang, Zhi Yang, Xiao-Ping Zhou, and Jun-Rong Wu.
• Department of Clinical Laboratory Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
• Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Aug 1; 97 (35): e12145e12145.

RationaleThe frequency of infections caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei is increasing worldwide. Here, we report a case of B pseudomallei infection presenting with a lung abscess and osteomyelitis in an adult man.Patient ConcernsA 38-year-old man presented with high-grade fever, productive cough, and chronic joint pain of the limbs. Examinations revealed multiple nodules, soft tissue mass shadows, pulmonary cavitation in bilateral lungs, and fluid and soft tissue swelling in bilateral hips.DiagnosesThe microbiologic diagnosis based on a positive culture revealed the etiologic agent to be B pseudomallei.InterventionsThe patient was treated with intravenous ceftazidime and levofloxacin, and out-of-hospital treatment continued with oral cotrimoxazole.OutcomesThe patient responded well to the treatment.Lessonssubsections Because of its increasing incidence, B pseudomallei infection should be highly suspected among employees who work in laboratories and healthcare facilities. Misdiagnosis can lead to treatment failure and high mortality rates, especially among individuals working in laboratories in non-endemic areas; therefore, early and accurate diagnosis of B pseudomallei infection is essential. Adequate antimicrobial treatment and long-term follow-up are imperative to reduce morbidity and mortality.

16 keywords...

hide…