Title:A Case Report of Burkholderia mallei Infection Leading to Pneumonia
Volume: 26
Issue: 1
Author(s): Guanfeng He, Yu Zeng, Qizhong He, Tuxuan Liu, Nanhong Li, Hui Lin, Muhong Zeng, Yonglong Li, Min Peng*, Junfen Cheng*, Wang Liu*Weimin Yao*
Affiliation:
- Department of Respiration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong,
China
- Department of Respiration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong,
China
- Department of Respiration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong,
China
- Department of Respiration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong,
China
Keywords:
Glanders, Zoonosis, Burkholderia mallei, multiplex PCR, targeted gene sequencing, pnemonia.
Abstract:
Background: Glanders is a rare zoonotic disease caused by Burkholderia mallei. Humans
can be infected by B. mallei, which causes cutaneous lymphadenitis and pneumonia, leading
to sepsis and death in severe cases.
Case Presentation: We report a case of a 60-year-old male who was diagnosed with glanders. The
patient who had a history of diabetes presented with cough, expectoration, and fever. Computed
tomography (CT) imaging showed B. mallei infection in the right upper lobe of the lung with mediastinal
lymph node involvement and the lingual segment of the left lung. Moreover, the posterior
basal segment of the lower lobe of both lungs had inflammation. Subsequently, B. mallei infection
was confirmed by lymph node biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage multiplex PCR-based targeted
gene sequencing. After meropenem treatment, the patient was discharged, and CT imaging showed
reduced absorption of pulmonary inflammatory lesions.
Conclusions: Glanders is a rare disease that can cause skin infection, lymphadenitis, and pneumonia,
and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening. The diagnosis of this disease mainly relies on
microbiological culture and pathological biopsy. Diagnosis is also facilitated by multiplex PCRbased
targeted gene sequencing. Glanders is treated with cephalosporins, carbapenems, and other
sensitive antibiotics.