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Case Reports
. 2019 Dec 19:19:e00683.
doi: 10.1016/j.idcr.2019.e00683. eCollection 2020.

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

Chee Yik Chang  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

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

Chee Yik Chang. IDCases. .

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: Burkholderia pseudomallei; Eyelid abscess; Melioidosis; Periorbital cellulitis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Right lower eyelid abscess.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Right periorbital swelling involving the upper and lower eyelids.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Axial CT scan of orbit shows right periorbital swelling with soft tissue thickening (white arrow).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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