Septicemic melioidosis. Occurrence following acute influenza A six years after exposure in Vietnam

Septicemic melioidosis in association with acute influenza A was diagnosed in a Vietnam veteran. The case illustrates that activation of melioidosis can occur long after exposure to a known endemic area and may be precipitated by infections with other common pathogens. Hence, physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion of melioidosis when dealing with unexplained sepsis in Vietnam veterans. Prolonged therapy with appropriate antimicrobial agents is needed to eradicate this infection.