infectious diseases
Melioidosis
Key Points
Melioidosis is acquired by skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation; it is not acquired directly from infected animals or people. The most common manifestation is an acute pulmonary infection (occasionally severe), but suppurative lesions may occur in the skin and/or many other organs; septicemia, which has high mortality, may result. Diagnose using staining and culture; blood cultures are done but often are negative except in severe septicemia. Treat symptomatic patients with IVceftazidimefollowed by a prolonged course of oral TMP/SMX ordoxycycline; in children < 8 years and pregnant women, useamoxicillin/clavulanate instead ofdoxycycline. 