Burkholderia cepacia
Burkholderia cepacia
Burkholderia cepacia (pronounced: burk-hol-de-ree-uh se-pay-shuh) is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic, motile bacterium of the Burkholderia genus. It is found in various environments, including soil and water. It is an opportunistic human pathogen, most often affecting individuals with cystic fibrosis or chronic granulomatous disease.
Etymology
The bacterium is named after Walter Burkholder, who first isolated it in the 1950s. The species name, cepacia, is derived from the Latin cepacia, meaning onion, as it was first isolated from rotting onions.
Clinical significance
Burkholderia cepacia is known to cause pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems, particularly those with cystic fibrosis. It is resistant to many common antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat. In addition, it can survive in disinfectant solutions, making it a risk in healthcare settings.
Related terms
- Burkholderia pseudomallei: Another species of the Burkholderia genus, which causes melioidosis.
- Burkholderia mallei: A species of the Burkholderia genus, which causes glanders.
- Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs, but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys, and intestine.
- Chronic granulomatous disease: A diverse group of hereditary diseases in which the immune system has difficulty forming granulomas.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Burkholderia cepacia
- Wikipedia's article - Burkholderia cepacia
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