Melioidosis pneumonitis. Analysis of nine cases of a benign form of melioidosis

Abstract

Melioidosis has been known as a highly fatal bacterial infection of tropical areas. Epidemiological studies indicate that the disease is much more common than previously suspected because a high incidence of asymptomatic infections was found among natives of the endemic areas. In 9 patients in whom the infection was confined to the lungs, the clinical manifestations closely mimicked pulmonary tuberculosis with upper-lobe infiltration and cavitation. The course was subacute, the patients had a productive cough, blood-tinged sputum, chest pain, fever, chills, weight loss, and anemia. This form of the disease showed an excellent response to appropriate antibiotic therapy. Isolated pulmonary melioidosis is a relatively benign disease and does not have the same prognosis as the septicemic form.