Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by a saprophytic bacterium, 
Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is endemic to Southeast Asia and Northern 
Australia. The spectrum of melioidosis in humans varies from sub-clinical to 
overwhelming protean manifestations resembling other acute and chronic bacterial 
infections. Disseminated septicaemia melioidosis presenting as a masticator 
space infection is reported here. This is germane to those treating diabetic 
patients with deep neck infections living in, or having visited, areas endemic 
for B. pseudomallei.