Two Patients with Recurrent Melioidosis after Prolonged Antibiotic Therapy

Melioidosis is a tropical infectious disease caused by Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) pseudomalleï. Clinically manifest melioidosis occurs mostly in people with underlying disorders. Melioidosis is a disease with protean manifestations and a high rate of relapse. Two patients with infection due to Burkholderia pseudomalleï after a visit to Thailand are described. Both patients presented with sepsis and appropriate therapy was initiated and continued for several months. Despite such long-term antimicrobial treatment, both patients had a relapse after cessation of therapy. It is unclear if recurrent melioidosis can be prevented by prolonging the treatment even further.