Volume 15, Number 11—November 2009
Etymologia
Burkholderia
[burk′′hol-dēr′e-ə]
This genus of gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria comprising animal and plant pathogens was named for American plant pathologist Walter H. Burkholder. Dr. Burkholder first described a particular species of this genus, later called Burkholderia cepacia (Latin for “like onion”), after an outbreak of infection in vegetable growers in New York State in 1949. Previously known to cause disease in onion bulbs, these organisms are now recognized as major bacterial lung pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis. B. mallei causes glanders in horses, and B. pseudomallei is the etiologic agent of melioidosis in humans and animals. Dr. Burkholder is recognized for helping establish the role of bacteria as plant pathogens.
Sources: Dorland’s illustrated medical dictionary, 31st edition. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2007; De Soyza A, Silipo A, Lanzetta R, Govan JR, Molinaro A. Chemical and biological features of Burkholderia cepacia complex lipopolysaccarides. Innate Immunity. 2008;14:127.
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Table of Contents – Volume 15, Number 11—November 2009
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