Isolated septic arthritis of knee by Burkholderia Pseudomallei: A case report

Abstract

Melioidosis affecting the knee joint is a rare manifestation of Burkholderia Pseudomallei but well recognized, the disease is more common in tropical areas of Australia and Thailand and less reported in South Asian countries. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential in preventing the dissemination that carries a high mortality rate [1]. Case report: We present the case of a 44 year old male with isolated septic arthritis of right knee. Post arthrotomy pus culture revealed the organism to be Burkholderia Pseudomallei. He was started on iv antibiotics. Patient fully recovered after a course of 6 weeks. Conclusion: Melioidosis is a rare case of septic arthritis knee, clinicians should deal with high index of suspicion, but to be kept in mind and is curable on intravenous antibiotics. Delaying diagnosis leads to dissemination with fatality.