Severe community-acquired pneumonia and sepsis caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei associated with flooding in Puerto Rico

Bol Asoc Med P R. 2003 Nov-Dec;95(6):17-20.

Abstract

Burkholderia pseudomallei (melioidosis) is usually found in endemic areas of Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. However, a few cases of confirmed melioidosis indigenous to Puerto Rico and the Americas have been reported previously. We describe the occurrence of a B. pseudomallei infection in a female with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus exposed to flood waters in Puerto Rico. We conclude that B. pseudomallei should be considered a potential pathogen in high-risk patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia and sepsis in Puerto Rico especially in individuals exposed to flood waters during rainy seasons. A more thorough epidemiologic and microbiologic surveillance with environmental sampling may be warranted in the island.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Burkholderia pseudomallei / isolation & purification*
  • Community-Acquired Infections / diagnosis
  • Community-Acquired Infections / drug therapy
  • Community-Acquired Infections / microbiology*
  • Disasters
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Melioidosis / diagnosis
  • Melioidosis / drug therapy
  • Melioidosis / microbiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / microbiology*
  • Puerto Rico
  • Respiration, Artificial / methods
  • Sepsis / diagnosis
  • Sepsis / drug therapy
  • Sepsis / microbiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents