Multi-system infection – tuberculosis or melioidosis?

Abstract

Melioidosis is a multi-system disorder which is often mistaken for tuberculosis in the Indian sub-continent. It is caused by the gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. The imaging findings of melioidosis often mimic many other bacterial infections and the differentiation is sometimes difficult. The clinical manifestations of melioidosis range from asymptomatic and subclinical to acute localized forms, acute septicemia and chronic forms. We report a case of melioidosis presenting with multi-visceral abscesses (with adrenal involvement). Keywords: Adrenal gland, Melioidosis, Burkholderia, Pseudomallei, Tuberculosis