Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused byBurkholderia pseudomallei,usually seen in tropical
countries of South East Asia and Northern Australia. Though many cases are reported in
adults from western coast of India, the same is not true for children. We report here four cases
of Melioidosis; a preterm neonate, two 2 year olds and 9 year old child. While three cases had
bacteremic melioidosis with presentation as Respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia and
fever respectively, fourth case presented as bilateral lymphadenitis. All were treated successfully with intensive therapy of Meropenem or ceftazidime followed with eradication
therapy of co-trimoxazole. At the end of treatment, all were completely cured. An understanding of the local epidemiology&geographical factors along with awareness and high
suspicion of index among microbiologists and paediatricians with laboratory strengthening
will aid in early diagnosis and prompt treatment thereby reducing the disease mortality.
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