An Unusually Sore Head: Melioidosis Case Report

Published Date: 23rd April 2025

Publication Authors: Hylton. C, Brown. K, Mortimer. K, Gurusinghe. D

Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative organism of melioidosis, is a rare and underreported pathogen in the United Kingdom. This gram-negative soil-dwelling bacterium is endemic to South-East Asia and Northern Australia and poses a real risk to human health. A case fatality rate of >70% with ineffective antimicrobials [1], warrants its classification in human pathogen hazard group 3 under ‘The Approved List of Biological Agents Fifth Edition 2023’. Melioidosis can vary widely in manifestation, commonly presenting as sepsis, pneumonia or abscesses [2]. We present a case of melioidosis in a returning traveller resulting in exposure to laboratory staff. A root cause analysis led to the revision of the laboratory standard operating procedure (SOP) and the administration of post-exposure prophylaxis.

Hinchcliffe, A.; Hylton, C.; Brown, K.; Mortimer, K.; Gurusinghe, D. (2025). An Unusually Sore Head: Melioidosis Case Report. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. Apr 23(:S1198-743X(25)00180), Epub ahead of print. [Online]. Available at: doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2025.04.017 [Accessed 1 May 2025].

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