Melioidosis splenic abscess--an unusual presentation as osteomyelitis of rib.

INTRODUCTION

We report an unusual case of splenic melioidosis abscess presenting as osteomyelitis.

CLINICAL PICTURE: A 74-year-old nondiabetic gentleman presents with a non-healing left chest wall abscess from osteomyelitis.

TREATMENT: He underwent rib resection and the infection was found to involve the underlying pleura, lung, adjacent stomach, liver and diaphragm with a splenic abscess. Splenectomy was performed. Histology showed suppurative granulomas and cultures grew Burkholderia pseudomallei.

OUTCOME: The patient recovered well with antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

Melioidosis should not be forgotten as a cause of chronic suppurative infections in our endemic population.