| Summary: | Introduction
Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a saprophytic bacterium found in soil and water. Though multiple abscesses are a common presentation of melioidosis, isolated neck abscess due to B. pseudomallei is extremely rare and it is more prevalent in immunocompromised people.
Case Report
A young woman with uncontrolled Type II diabetes presented with neck abscess. Abscess was drained and culture showed Burkholderia pseudomallei. Appropriate treatment was given, including 3 weeks of parenteral antibiotics and 3 months of oral prophylactic antibiotics to prevent relapses. Patient responded well to treatment.
Discussion
Increased awareness of opportunistic infections like melioidosis is essential in the present era as diabetes is emerging as a global pandemic. It clinically resembles tubercular neck abscess. Strong clinical suspicion, early intervention and long term antibiotics can cure the disease completely without relapse.
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