Burkholderia pseudomallei (Meloidosis)

MICROBIOLOGY

• Aerobic Gram-negative rod [Fig 1], sometimes with a safety pin appearance [Fig 2].
  • B. pseudomallei, member of Burkholderia genus.
  • Two other members, B. thailandensis (SE Asia, Australia), and B. oklahomensis (Midwest U.S.), seen in environmental samples; unclear if the cause of the disease.
• Commonly found in surface waters and muddy soils, but the transmission mechanism remains unclear.
  • Described as colonizing rhizospheres and plant structures.
• Culturing methods in laboratories:
  • Ashdown’s media is favored if non-sterile specimens, such as respiratory specimens, are cultured.
  • B. cepacia-selective media an alternative.