Survival and persistence of opportunistic Burkholderia species in host cells.
Burkholderia are microorganisms that have a unique ability to adapt and survive in many different environments. They can also serve as biopesticides and be used for the biodegradation of organic compounds. Usually harmless while living in the soil, these bacteria are opportunistic pathogens of plants and immunocompromised patients, and occasionally infect healthy individuals. Some of the species in this genus can also be utilised as biological weapons. They all possess very large genomes and have two or more circular chromosomes. Their survival and persistence, not only in the environment but also in host cells, offers a remarkable example of bacterial adaptation.
Valvano
Miguel A
MA
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada. mvalvano@uwo.ca
Keith
Karen E
KE
Cardona
Silvia T
ST
D000656:Amoeba / Q000382:microbiology; D000818:Animals; D019117:Burkholderia / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D019121:Burkholderia Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000382:microbiology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000382:microbiology*