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The dermatological manifestations of Burkholderia pseudomallei | 60596
Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research

Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research
Open Access

ISSN: 2155-9554

+44 1478 350008

The dermatological manifestations of Burkholderia pseudomallei


22nd European Dermatology Congress

July 20-21, 2022 | Webinar

Sam Hughes

Leeds General Infirmary, UK

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Clin Exp Dermatol Res

Abstract :

A 26 year old Asian male, presented with a 3x4cm, tender abscess on his left posterior thigh. The patient, born and raised in Shanghai, China - emigrated to the United States of America, aged 16. In September 2020, only upon arrival into the UK, did he develop the aforementioned cutaneous abscess. During the incision and drainage, a wound swab was sent for culture. Using agar plates, “Burkholderia pseudomallei” was grown; a gram negative bacteria, endemic to South-East Asia, inducing an infectious condition known as ‘melioidosis’. Between January 2010 to July 2019, only 46 cases of melioidosis have been identified within the UK.[1] Melioidosis has a mortality rate of up to 50%, yet is significantly under-diagnosed, due to it’s wide range of clinical manifestations. Interestingly, whilst ‘abscesses’ are a recognised complication, the majority affect internal organs with only 4.9% of the 46 previously documented UK cases, reporting a ‘cutaneous lesion’ - making this case particularly rare indeed. [1,2,3] Moreover, due it’s associations with bioterrorism - it is now a legal requirement to report all cases to Public Health England.[1] Cutaneous abscesses are a common presentation, seen in both community and hospital settings. In turn, this case highlights the following learning points: 1. As international travel becomes more affordable, rare, ‘imported’ diseases such as melioidosis, are likely to become more prevalent. 2. A decade long incubation period, is well recognised with melioidosis - highlighting the importance of a comprehensive travel history. 3. Utilising the microbiology department was pivotal in making a definitive diagnosis.

Biography :

Dr Sam Hughes obtained his medical degree at Queen’s University, Belfast, before moving to Yorkshire where he completes his Core Surgical Training. This equipped him with the surgical skills, which he is currently employing as the dermatology Junior Clinical Fellow at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital, London.

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