The neuropathology of melioidosis: two cases and a review of the literature

Abstract

Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei and is hyperendemic in the Top End of the Northern Territory of Australia, as well as being widespread throughout tropical south east Asia. The infection is primarily acquired via the inoculation of compromised surface tissues by contaminated soils and water and it can cause an acute, rapidly fatal illness. Although pneumonia is the commonest manifestation, neurological presentations have been described, most notably encephalomyelitis. This paper presents the neuropathology of 2 fatal cases of neurological melioidosis and reviews the relevant literature.