Periorbital cellulitis and eyelid abscess as ocular manifestations of melioidosis: A report of three cases in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Abstract

Melioidosis is an infection caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Melioidosis can affect any organ and result in a broad spectrum of diseases. Ocular involvement in melioidosis is rare but can potentially lead to devastating outcomes. We describe ocular manifestations in 3 patients diagnosed with culture-confirmed melioidosis in Kapit, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Melioidosis affecting the eye can present as periorbital cellulitis and eyelid abscess. High clinical suspicion and early empirical treatment were crucial to a successful outcome. Surgical drainage of the abscess was an important part of management beyond standard antimicrobial therapy. Keywords: Melioidosis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Periorbital cellulitis, Eyelid abscess