Burkholderia pseudomallei : une bactérie à ne pas méconnaître

B. pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis. This bacterium from hydro-telluric environment is highly pathogenic for human. Melioidosis is sporadic in France and in Europe and endemic in Southeast Asia and in Australia. The geographic distribution is extending and affects now Brazil, Madagascar and Reunion Island. Its phenotypic diagnosis is easy to do but the difficulty is that physicians may not think of it. Its specific antibiogram constitutes a key element of the diagnosis. Its treatment is limited and is based on a heavy antibiotic therapy which makes this disease even more serious.