A Vietnam War veteran with symptoms of melioidosis is likely to be infected with which organism?

The organism associated with melioidosis is Burkholderia pseudomallei. Melioidosis is primarily a disease found in tropical and subtropical regions, and it is caused by this specific pathogen. It is known for causing a range of symptoms, from localized infections to severe systemic disease, particularly in individuals who may have existing health issues or are immunocompromised.

Burkholderia pseudomallei is typically found in soil and water, and infection can occur through direct contact with contaminated environments, making exposure more likely for veterans who may have served in areas where this organism is endemic. The characteristic symptoms of melioidosis, which can include pneumonia, abscess formation, and sepsis, align with the clinical presentation linked to this bacterium.

Other organisms listed in the options can cause various infections, but they are not the causative agent for melioidosis. For example, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is often associated with respiratory infections but does not cause melioidosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common opportunistic pathogen found in various infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients, while Acinetobacter spp. is known for its role in hospital-acquired infections. However, none of these