Burkholderia mallei

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Burkholderia mallei

Burkholderia mallei (pronounced: burk-hol-de-ria mal-ee) is a Gram-negative bacteria that is responsible for the infectious disease known as Glanders. The bacterium is primarily a pathogen of horses, but can also infect humans and other animals.

Etymology

The name Burkholderia mallei is derived from the name of Walter H. Burkholder, an American plant pathologist, who first isolated the bacterium. The species name mallei is derived from the Latin word for "badger", which is one of the animals that the bacterium can infect.

Characteristics

Burkholderia mallei is a non-motile, aerobic bacterium that is capable of surviving in both intracellular and extracellular environments. It is a facultative intracellular pathogen, meaning it can survive and multiply within host cells. The bacterium is also biofilm-forming, which contributes to its virulence and resistance to antibiotics.

Disease

Infection with Burkholderia mallei causes Glanders, a highly contagious and often fatal disease primarily affecting horses, but can also infect humans and other animals. In humans, the disease can manifest in various forms, including skin lesions, pulmonary infection, and septicemia.

Treatment

Treatment of Burkholderia mallei infection typically involves a combination of antibiotics, including sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and ceftazidime. However, the bacterium is resistant to many common antibiotics, making treatment challenging.

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