Rashmi Ranjan Pattanayak, K Smita Reddy, Biswabikash Mohanty
Journal of Critical and Intensive Care - 2025;16(2):102-108
Melioidosis is a rare and often underrecognized infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei , which is primarily found in Southeast Asia. This disease can lead to severe systemic complications and carries alarmingly high rates of morbidity and mortal-ity. We present two different case reports of melioidosis: one with disseminated melioidosis and the other presenting as pneumonia. Melioidosis can resemble infections like tuberculosis, complicating diagnosis. Sepsis with multiple abscesses can be associated with Staphylococ-cal spp . and Klebsiella spp . infection. Bacillus anthracis (anthrax), Francisella tularensis (tularemia), Bartonella henselae (cat scratch disease), and Yersinia pestis (plague) can present with similar symptoms. Fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida spp. , can also present with these symptoms. These case reports highlight the difficulties in identifying dis-seminated melioidosis and the risks of misdiagnosis, which can lead to inadequate patient management. Increased awareness of melioidosis in endemic areas is essential for improving patient outcomes and public health responses.
