Melioidosis--a report from Pondicherry, South India

Abstract

Melioidosis is an acute infectious disease caused by a safety-pin-shaped gram-negative bacteria called Burkholderia pseudomallei. Here, we report the first case of melioidosis in a middle aged male agricultural worker, from Pondicherry. The isolation of this organism from subcutaneous nodules on the extensor aspect of his limbs underlines the diversity of its clinical presentation. Difficulty in identifying the organism which mimics any other non-fementing gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) on cursory examination, highlights the importance of identification of NFGNB in endemic areas for specific treatment and prevention.