Burkholderia pseudomallei infection in the genitourinary tract: a case report

Abstract

Melioidosis, caused by the gram-negative bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei, is an infectious disease which is endemic in areas like Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. Urogenital involvement is less common in Thailand. This is a case study of a 60-year-old Thai male who had no underlying diseases and developed a renal abscess from melioidosis. He presented with a high grade fever for about 2 weeks. Physical examination disclosed costovertebral angle tenderness but otherwise was unremarkable. Laboratory and imaging investigations revealed leukocytosis in the complete blood count. White blood cells and red blood cells were detected in urinalysis. There was no growth in either the hemoculture or urine culture but melioidosis antibody level was positive (1:5, 120). Computerized tomography of the whole abdomen showed multiple areas of hypodensity lesions at mid and lower pole extended to the right perirenal space indicating likely renal abscesses. The final diagnosis was melioidosis with renal abscesses.