# A Rare Case of Melioidosis Breast Abscess in Far North Queensland

## TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of a breast abscess caused by melioidosis in an immunocompromised patient in Far North Queensland.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in documenting a rare clinical presentation of melioidosis as a breast abscess in an immunocompromised individual.

## Key findings

- Melioidosis can present as a breast abscess in immunocompromised patients.
- Surgical drainage and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are essential for managing such infections.
- Failure to manage risk factors may lead to recurrent infections and significant morbidity.

## Abstract

Melioidosis is an uncommon bacterial infection caused by the organism Burkholderia pseudomallei and manifests in various presentations such as pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections, skin infections, and, in severe cases, sepsis. In Australia, melioidosis is mostly found in Far North Queensland. We describe a rare case of breast abscess due to Burkholderia pseudomallei in an immunocompromised patient in Far North Queensland, Australia. While source control by surgical drainage remains an important initial management, proper selection and duration of antimicrobial therapy and management of contributing risk factors play a key role in ensuring such patients do not present with recurrent infections, which may lead to significant morbidity.