Severe community-acquired pneumonia and sepsis caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei associated with flooding in Puerto Rico

ABSTRACT

Burkholderia pseudomallei (melioidosis) is usually found in endemic areas of Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. However, a few cases of confirmed melioidosis indigenous to Puerto Rico and the Americas have been reported previously. We describe the occurrence of a B. pseudomallei infection in a female with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus exposed to flood waters in Puerto Rico. We conclude that B. pseudomallei should be considered a potential pathogen in high-risk patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia and sepsis in Puerto Rico especially in individuals exposed to flood waters during rainy seasons. A more thorough epidemiologic and microbiologic surveillance with environmental sampling may be warranted in the island