A 60-year-old man with malaria visited two hospitals for examination but the cause of his condition could not be identified. Upon his third visit, he was diagnosed with Whitmore bacteria, also known as Burkholderia pseudomallei, which had a severe prognosis. Doctor Nguyen Hong Long, Deputy Head of the Department of General Infections at the Central Tropical Diseases Hospital, revealed that the patient arrived in a deteriorating condition. Previous treatments at two other facilities had not been successful in improving his health or determining the source of his fever.
The doctors at the Central Tropical Diseases Hospital treated the man aggressively after an MRI revealed inflammation and abscess in his shoulder joint. Blood culture results confirmed the presence of the Whitmore bacteria, which is transmitted through direct contact with contaminated soil, mud, or water. The patient, who has had diabetes for four years and requires insulin injections, had exhibited symptoms typical of the infection, such as a fever that has since subsided.
Whitmore disease can be particularly dangerous for individuals with underlying health conditions, including diabetes, liver disease, kidney problems, chronic lung issues, and weakened immune systems. While cases of Whitmore’s disease are not commonly reported in the Hai Duong area, sporadic instances can occur in the Northern Delta region. The infection’s varied and atypical symptoms make it challenging to diagnose accurately, and treatment can be complicated due to the bacteria’s resistance to many antibiotics.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent Whitmore disease, emphasizing the importance of personal and environmental hygiene measures to reduce the risk of infection. People with underlying health conditions should take extra precautions to avoid potential exposure, and prompt medical attention is essential if an infection is suspected. The patient in this case will likely require a lengthy course of medication and potential surgery to manage the inflammation caused by the bacteria.