Clinical repercussions of Glanders (Burkholderia mallei infection) in a Brazilian child: a case report

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2020 Jun 22:53:e20200054. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0054-2020. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Glanders is a relatively unknown zoonotic disease caused by Burkholderia mallei. This bacterium affect solipeds and humans, and can be used as a biological warfare. Glanders is characterized as an occupational disease. We report the case of an 11-year-old boy who was presented to an emergency department with chest pain and dyspnea. He evolved into septic shock, pneumonia, and multiple abscesses. B. mallei was found in the exudate culture. Human infection is rare and difficult to confirm. The knowledge on glanders is important for differential diagnosis from other serious illnesses causing pneumonia and multiple abscesses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Burkholderia mallei / isolation & purification*
  • Child
  • Glanders / diagnosis*
  • Glanders / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Male