Definition:
Burkholderia dolosa is a species of Gram-negative, aerobic, beta-proteobacteria belonging to the genus Burkholderia within the family Burkholderiaceae.
Overview:
Burkholderia dolosa was first identified in the early 2000s as a pathogen associated with chronic respiratory infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). It is part of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), a group of closely related species known for their ability to colonize the lungs of immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with cystic fibrosis. Due to its intrinsic resistance to multiple antibiotics, B. dolosa poses clinical challenges in treatment and infection control. The species has been implicated in outbreaks within CF clinics, suggesting potential for patient-to-patient transmission.
Etymology/Origin:
The genus name Burkholderia honors Walter H. Burkholder, an American phytopathologist who first described a related organism in 1949. The species epithet "dolosa" is derived from Latin, meaning "deceitful" or "fraudulent," likely referencing the bacterium's ability to evade host immune responses or complicate diagnosis and treatment.
Characteristics:
Burkholderia dolosa is a rod-shaped, motile bacterium with a single polar flagellum. It is oxidase-negative and catalase-positive, and capable of growing on a variety of nutrient media, including selective agars used for isolating Bcc species. The bacterium exhibits metabolic versatility, able to utilize diverse carbon sources. Genomically, it has a multireplicon structure consisting of multiple large chromosomes and plasmids, typical of the genus Burkholderia. It demonstrates high levels of antimicrobial resistance, particularly to aminoglycosides, polymyxins, and certain beta-lactams.
Related Topics:
- Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc)
- Cystic fibrosis and bacterial infections
- Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs)
- Hospital-acquired infections
- Microbial genomics and pathogen evolution
- Infection control in clinical settings
Accurate information is based on peer-reviewed microbiological and clinical studies, particularly those focused on respiratory pathogens in cystic fibrosis patients.