Imported melioidosis in Danish travellers: A diagnostic challenge

Abstract

Infections with Burkholderia pseudomallei (melioidosis) are rare events in Scandinavian countries, but the bacterium may be contracted during travel to endemic areas, i.e. Southeast Asia (especially Thailand) and northern Australia. Here, 5 travel-related cases occurring within the last 3 y in Denmark are reported, with particular emphasis on diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed to health staff with little experience in the management of melioidosis. A newly developed B. pseudomallei-specific polymerase chain reaction test was applied and was able to correctly identify all isolates.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.