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 species displays very similar phenotypic characteristics to that of B. pseudomallei. Optimal identification of these species remains problematic, due to the difficulty in developing a sensitive, selective, and accurate assay. The development of PCR technologies has revolutionized diagnostic testing and these detection methods have become popular due to their speed, sensitivity, and accuracy. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview and evaluation of the advancements in PCR-based detection and differentiation methodologies for the B. pseudomallei complex, and examine their potential uses in diagnostic and environmental testing.
Publication Date: 2013-08-22 PubMed ID: 23969318
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Review
- Bioinformatics
- Biotechnology
- Burkholderia mallei
- Diagnosis
- Diagnostic Technique
- Disease Diagnosis
- Disease Surveillance
- Disease Treatment
- Epidemiology
- Genotyping
- Glanders
- Infectious Disease
- Laboratory Methods
- Microbiology
- Molecular biology
- Pathogens
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Public Health
- Real-Time PCR
- Veterinary Medicine
Summary
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This research article focuses on recent advancements in PCR-based methodologies for quickly identifying and differentiating species within the Burkholderia pseudomallei complex, due to their potential use as bioweapons and their high mortality rates.
Introduction
- The Burkholderia pseudomallei complex includes species such as B. pseudomallei, B. mallei, and B. thailandensis. Differentiating these species quickly and accurately has been a challenge due to their high degree of phenotypic (observable physical or physiological characteristics) and genotypic (genetic makeup) similarities.
Importance of Detecting Burkholderia pseudomallei Complex
- Two species within this complex, B. pseudomallei and B. mallei, are recognized as tier 1 select agents by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This means that they present a high risk to national security as they could potentially be used as bioweapons.
- These organisms are also responsible for causing diseases with high mortality rates like glanders and melioidosis, and have a low infectious dose, making them very dangerous.
Challenges in Detection
- Although B. thailandensis is typically not harmful in mammals, it exhibits similar phenotypic characteristics with B. pseudomallei, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.
- Creating a sensitive, selective, and accurate assay for proper identification is a challenge, which is what the research hopes to address.
Role of PCR Technologies
- PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) technologies have brought a revolution in diagnostic testing.
- They are fast and have a high degree of sensitivity and accuracy, making them popular in detection methodologies.
Aim of the Research
- The goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview and evaluation of the advancements in PCR-based detection and differentiation methodologies for the B. pseudomallei complex.
- It also aims to examine their potential applications in diagnostic and environmental testing.
Cite This Article
APA
Lowe W, March JK, Bunnell AJ, O'Neill KL, Robison RA.
(2013).
PCR-based Methodologies Used to Detect and Differentiate the Burkholderia pseudomallei complex: B. pseudomallei, B. mallei, and B. thailandensis.
Curr Issues Mol Biol, 16, 23-54.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Bacterial Typing Techniques
- Biological Warfare Agents
- Burkholderia / genetics
- Burkholderia / isolation & purification
- Burkholderia mallei / genetics
- Burkholderia mallei / isolation & purification
- Burkholderia pseudomallei / genetics
- Burkholderia pseudomallei / isolation & purification
- Glanders / microbiology
- Glanders / pathology
- Horses
- Humans
- Melioidosis / microbiology
- Melioidosis / pathology
- Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
- Polymerase Chain Reaction / standards
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
- Sensitivity and Specificity
Citations
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