Construction and characterization of stable, constitutively expressed, chromosomal green and red fluorescent transcriptional fusions in the select agents, Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Burkholderia mallei, and Burkholderia pseudomallei
Abstract Here, we constructed stable, chromosomal, constitutively expressed, green and red fluorescent protein (GFP and RFP) as reporters in the select agents, Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Burkholderia mallei, and Burkholderia pseudomallei. Using bioinformatic approaches and other experimental analyses, we identified P0253 and P1 as potent promoters that drive the optimal expression of fluorescent reporters in single copy in B. anthracis and Burkholderia spp. as well as their surrogate strains, respectively. In comparison, Y. pestis and its surrogate strain need two chromosomal copies of cysZK promoter (P2cysZK) fo...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - July 9, 2014 Category: Microbiology Authors: Shengchang Su, Hansraj Bangar, Roland Saldanha, Adin Pemberton, Bruce Aronow, Gary E. Dean, Thomas J. Lamkin, Daniel J. Hassett Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

Raman spectroscopic detection and identification of Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei in feedstuff.
In this study, Raman microspectroscopy, a cultivation-independent typing technique for single bacterial cells with the potential for being a rapid point-of-care analysis system, is evaluated to identify and differentiate B. mallei and B. pseudomallei within hours. Here, not only broth-cultured microbes but also bacteria isolated out of pelleted animal feedstuff were taken into account. A database of Raman spectra allowed a calculation of classification functions, which were trained to differentiate Raman spectra of not only both pathogens but also of five further Burkholderia spp. and four species of the closely related ge...
Source: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry - June 1, 2014 Category: Chemistry Authors: Stöckel S, Meisel S, Elschner M, Melzer F, Rösch P, Popp J Tags: Anal Bioanal Chem Source Type: research

Intramolecular Aglycon Delivery Enables the Synthesis of 6-Deoxy-β-d-manno-heptosides as Fragments of Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei Capsular Polysaccharide
The Journal of Organic ChemistryDOI: 10.1021/jo500640n (Source: The Journal of Organic Chemistry)
Source: The Journal of Organic Chemistry - May 2, 2014 Category: Chemistry Authors: Marielle Tamigney Kenfack, Yves Blériot and Charles Gauthier Source Type: research

Characterization of an autotransporter adhesin protein shared by Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei
BpaC, an autotransporter adhesion protein found in the pathogenic species Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei, mediates adherence to respiratory epithelial cells and is expressed in vivo during the course of aerosol infection. (Source: Epidemiologic Perspectives and Innovations)
Source: Epidemiologic Perspectives and Innovations - April 14, 2014 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Eric R LafontaineRachel BalderFrank MichelRobert J Hogan Source Type: research

Evaluation of a Latex Agglutination Assay for the Identification of Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei.
Abstract Cases of melioidosis and glanders are rare in the United States, but the etiologic agents of each disease (Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei, respectively) are classified as Tier 1 select agents because of concerns about their potential use as bioterrorism agents. A rapid, highly sensitive, and portable assay for clinical laboratories and field use is required. Our laboratory has further evaluated a latex agglutination assay for its ability to identify B. pseudomallei and B. mallei isolates. This assay uses a monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes the capsular polysacchar...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - April 7, 2014 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Duval BD, Elrod MG, Gee JE, Chantratita N, Tandhavanant S, Limmathurotsakul D, Hoffmaster AR Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research

Chronic suppurative joint effusion due to burkholderia pseudomallei: A case report.
We report a case of chronic left hip joint effusion in a known case of diabetes mellitus. Gram stain of computed tomography (CT)-guided aspirate from the joint revealed Gram-negative bacilli along with pus cells. Culture was confirmed as Burkholderia pseudomallei on Vitek2C, which was sensitive to ceftazidime and trimethoprim/sulfmethoxazole. Unfortunately, patient could not be started on appropriate antibiotics due to delay in detection and patient succumbed to severe septicemia. This case is reported to highlight importance of automated identification and sensitivity especially in nonendemic areas and unusual antibiogram...
Source: Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology - October 1, 2013 Category: Pathology Authors: Deshmukh M, Mundhada S Tags: Indian J Pathol Microbiol Source Type: research

Glanders: an overview of infection in humans
Glanders is a highly contagious and often fatal zoonotic disease, primarily of solipds. In the developed world, glanders has been eradicated. However, prior use of B. mallei as a biological weapon and its high mortality in inhalation animal studies has affirmed B. mallei as a biodefense concern. This threat requires the development of new glanders medical countermeasures (MCMs), as there is a lack of an effective vaccine and lengthy courses of multiple antibiotics needed to eradicate B. mallei. Here, we present a literature review of human glanders in which we discuss the clinical epidemiology and risk factors, potential r...
Source: Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases - September 3, 2013 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Kristopher Van ZandtMarek GreerH Gelhaus Source Type: research

PCR-based Methodologies Used to Detect and Differentiate the Burkholderia pseudomallei complex: B. pseudomallei, B. mallei, and B. thailandensis.
Abstract Methods for the rapid detection and differentiation of the Burkholderia pseudomallei complex comprising B. pseudomallei, B. mallei, and B. thailandensis, have been the topic of recent research due to the high degree of phenotypic and genotypic similarities of these species. B. pseudomallei and B. mallei are recognized by the CDC as tier 1 select agents. The high mortality rates of glanders and melioidosis, their potential use as bioweapons, and their low infectious dose, necessitate the need for rapid and accurate detection methods. Although B. thailandensis is generally avirulent in mammals, this...
Source: Current Issues in Molecular Biology - August 22, 2013 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Lowe W, March JK, Bunnell AJ, O'Neill KL, Robison RA Tags: Curr Issues Mol Biol Source Type: research

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method for rapid identification and differentiation of Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei from each other, Burkholderia thailandensis and several members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex
ConclusionsThe method is fast, accurate and easy to use. The algorithm is robust against different growth conditions (medium and temperature). Significance and Impact of the StudyThis assay may prove beneficial in a clinical diagnostic setting, where the rapid identification of B. pseudomallei is essential to effective treatment. This method could also be easily employed after a biological attack to confirm the presence of either B. pseudomallei or B. mallei. (Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology)
Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology - August 13, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: D. Li, J.K. March, T.M. Bills, B.C. Holt, C.E. Wilson, W. Lowe, H.D. Tolley, M.L. Lee, R.A. Robison Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

The Domestic Livestock Resources of Turkey: Occurrence and Control of Diseases of Horses, Donkeys and Mules
Abstract: Horses, donkeys, and mules have been important in Turkey for agriculture, transport, and the military for hundreds of years. Equids number more than 0.5 million in Turkey. Most horses are local types but emphasis is now on Thoroughbreds and Arabians for racing and competitions. New roles have not materialized for donkeys and mules that continue to perform their traditional activities. Disease control is assured mainly by public services acting within laws governing diseases and welfare. African horse sickness, glanders, dourine, equine infectious anemia, vesicular stomatitis, equine encephalomyelitis, anthrax, an...
Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science - August 7, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Orhan Yilmaz, R. Trevor Wilson Tags: Review Articles Source Type: research

Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry method for rapid identification and differentiation of Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei from each other, Burkholderia thailandensis, and several members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex
ConclusionsThe method is fast, acurate, and easy to use. The algorithm is robust against different growth conditions (medium and temperature). Significance and Impact of StudyThis assay may prove beneficial in a clinical diagnostic setting, where the rapid identification of B. pseudomallei is essential to effective treatment. This method could also be easily employed after a biological attack to confirm the presence of either B. pseudomallei or B. mallei.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology)
Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology - July 24, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Dan Li, Jordon K. March, Teri M. Bills, Brian C. Holt, Christopher E. Wilson, Woan Lowe, H. Dennis Tolley, Milton L. Lee, Richard A. Robison Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Nitro versus Hydroxamate in Siderophores of Pathogenic Bacteria: Effect of Missing Hydroxylamine Protection in Malleobactin Biosynthesis.
Abstract The elusive structure of malleobactin, a virulence factor of pathogens belonging to the Burkholderia mallei family, was finally unveiled by genetic and chemical analyses. The novel nitro-substituted siderophore is derived from an unusual, unprotected hydroxylamine, which undergoes spontaneous oxidation, as shown by in vitro assays and detection of analogues featuring hydroxylamino, nitroso, and azoxide groups. PMID: 23821334 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Angewandte Chemie)
Source: Angewandte Chemie - July 2, 2013 Category: Chemistry Authors: Franke J, Ishida K, Ishida-Ito M, Hertweck C Tags: Angew Chem Int Ed Engl Source Type: research

Novel Burkholderia mallei Virulence Factors Linked to Specific Host-Pathogen Protein Interactions.
Abstract Burkholderia mallei is an infectious intracellular pathogen whose virulence and resistance to antibiotics makes it a potential bioterrorism agent. Given its genetic origin as a commensal soil organism, it is equipped with an extensive and varied set of adapted mechanisms to cope with and modulate host-cell environments. One essential virulence mechanism constitutes the specialized secretion systems that are designed to penetrate host-cell membranes and insert pathogen proteins directly into the host cell's cytosol. However, the secretion systems' proteins and, in particular, their host targets are...
Source: Molecular and Cellular Proteomics : MCP - June 24, 2013 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Memisevic V, Zavaljevski N, Pieper R, Rajagopala SV, Kwon K, Townsend K, Yu C, Yu X, Deshazer D, Reifman J, Wallqvist A Tags: Mol Cell Proteomics Source Type: research

Enzymatic and molecular characterisation of leucine aminopeptidase of Burkholderia pseudomallei
Conclusions: This study showed that LAP is a secretory product of B. pseudomallei with features similar to LAP of other organisms. Identification of major LAP sequence types of B. pseudomallei was made possible based on RFLP analysis of the pepA gene. The high LAP activity detected in both B. pseudomallei and B. thailandensis, suggests that LAP is probably a housekeeping enzyme rather than a virulence determinant. (Source: BMC Microbiology - Latest articles)
Source: BMC Microbiology - Latest articles - May 17, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Liew MunTay TeeSavithiri Puthucheary Source Type: research

Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole) prophylaxis is effective against acute murine inhalational melioidosis and glanders
In this study, the antibiotic co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) was assessed for the post-exposure prophylaxis of experimental infection in mice with B. pseudomallei and its close phylogenetic relative Burkholderia mallei, the causative agent of glanders. Co-trimoxazole was effective against an inhalational infection with B. pseudomallei or B. mallei. However, oral co-trimoxazole delivered twice daily did not eradicate infection when administered from 6h post exposure for 14 days or 21 days, since infected and antibiotic-treated mice succumbed to infection following relapse or immunosuppression. These data hig...
Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents - March 20, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Kay B. Barnes, Jackie Steward, Joanne E. Thwaite, M. Stephen Lever, Carwyn H. Davies, Stuart J. Armstrong, Thomas R. Laws, Neil Roughley, Sarah V. Harding, Timothy P. Atkins, Andrew J.H. Simpson, Helen S. Atkins Tags: Full length articles Source Type: research