Misleading Mimicry - Melioidosis A Case Report

Abstract

Melioidosis is an emerging infection in India, caused by the gram-negative bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is a multisystem disease and is fatal with significant mortality and morbidity. The prognosis is excellent if detected early and managed. We report a case of 15 year old female with cervical abscess who did not respond to routine antibiotic treatment and her condition worsened until proper diagnosis was made and appropriate antibiotics started. Head and neck melioidotic abscesses are often confused with cold abscesses by Mycobacterium tuberculosis especially in an endemic country like India with a huge tuberculosis burden. The treatment modalities for both is very different and if not detected early and managed appropriately can be fatal.