Burkholderia mallei
Classification
Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Pseudomonadota
Class: Betaproteobacteria
Order: Burkholderiales
family: Burkholderiaceae
genus: Burkholderia
Species
Burkholderia mallei
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Genus species
Description and Significance
Burkholderia mallei is a Gram-negative, bipolar, aerobic bacterium, a human and animal pathogen of genus Burkholderia causing glanders; the Latin name of this disease (malleus) gave its name to the species causing it. It is closely related to B. pseudomallei, and by multilocus sequence typing it is a subspecies of B. pseudomallei.[1] B. mallei evolved from B. pseudomallei by selective reduction and deletions from the B. pseudomallei genome.[2] Unlike B. pseudomallei and other genus members, B. mallei is nonmotile; its shape is coccobacillary measuring some 1.5–3.0 μm in length and 0.5–1.0 μm in diameter with rounded ends.
Genome Structure
Burkholderia mallei's genome exhibits distinctive features that differentiate it from other members of the Burkholderia genus. Unlike its closely related counterpart, B. pseudomallei which has a larger genome (around 7.3 Mb) size, B. mallei possesses a smaller genome with unique characteristics (around 3.5 mb). While B. pseudomallei has a larger genome size, Burkholderia mallei's genome is relatively smalle. Which can reflect selective reduction and deletions from the B. pseudomallei genome during its evolution into a specialized and unique pathogen. B. mallei's genome provides insights into its phylogenetic relationship with other members of the Burkholderias genus and related organisms. Multilocus sequence typing has classified Burkholderia mallei as a subspecies of B. pseudomallei due to clone reduction. Indicating a close evolutionary relationship. However, genomic analysis reveals distinct genetic differences between the two species, reflecting their differences in ecological niches and lifestyles as pathogens. Overall the genome is structured as being made up of 2 circular chromosomes each with their own designated roles. Chromosome one harbors essential genes for basic cellular functions while chromosome 2 contains genes associated with adaptation, virulence and pathogenicity. Understanding th genome structure of B. Mallei is crucial for dissecting its pathogenic mechanisms, evolutionary history and adaptation to its host environment. This is possible from comparative genomic analysis which provides strategies for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infections caused by the pathogens.
Size & Structure
Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle
Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology and Pathogenesis
Habitat; symbiosis; biogeochemical significance; contributions to environment.
If relevant, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
References
Author
Page authored by _____, student of Prof. Jay Lennon at IndianaUniversity.
