Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
short term
high

Occurs in 20% to 25% of people with melioidosis.[65] Usually fatal without diagnosis, appropriate antibiotics, and access to a state-of-the-art intensive care unit.

variable
medium

Drainage may be required but may result in bronchopleural fistula.

variable
medium

May require prolonged ventilation and result in substantial residual long-term neurological deficits: peripheral motor weakness, cranial nerve defects such as bulbar paralysis, and residual paraparesis from myelitis.

variable
low

Surgery for liver abscesses may have internal bleeding and peritonitis as complications. Surgery for prostatic abscesses may have fistulae and sexual dysfunction as complications.

variable
low

Fatal rupture with bleeding often occurs without definitive surgery.

variable
low

Cardiac involvement is very rare. Cardiac tamponade may occur and drainage of fluid, pericardial window, and stripping of pericardium may be necessary. Endocarditis has been reported.[96][97]

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer