Melioidosis splenic abscess--an unusual presentation as osteomyelitis of rib.

INTRODUCTION: We report an unusual case of splenic melioidosis abscess presenting as osteomyelitis. CLINICAL PICTURE: A 74-year-old nondiabetic gentleman presents with a non-healing left chest wall abscess from osteomyelitis. TREATMENT: He underwent rib resection and the infection was found to involve the underlying pleura, lung, adjacent stomach, liver and diaphragm with a splenic abscess. Splenectomy was performed. Histology showed suppurative granulomas and cultures grew Burkholderia pseudomallei. OUTCOME: The patient recovered well with antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Melioidosis should not be forgotten as a cause of chronic suppurative infections in our endemic population.