The Experts below are selected from a list of 10011 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Peter Vandamme - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
in vitro susceptibility of Burkholderia cepacia complex isolated from cystic fibrosis patients to ceftazidime avibactam and ceftolozane tazobactam
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2018Co-Authors: A Van Dalem, Peter Vandamme, M Herpol, Fedoua Echahidi, Charlotte Peeters, Ingrid Wybo, E De Wachter, Denis PierardAbstract:We tested the in vitro susceptibility of ceftazidime-avibactam and ceftolozane-tazobactam and 13 other antibiotics against 91 Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) strains isolated from cystic fibrosis patients since 2012. The highest susceptibility (82%) was found for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Eighty-one and 63% of all BCC strains were susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam and ceftolozane-tazobactam, respectively. For temocillin, ceftazidime, piperacillin-tazobactam, and meropenem, at least 50% of the strains were susceptible. B. stabilis seems to be more resistant than other BCC species.
-
classification and identification of the Burkholderia cepacia complex past present and future
Systematic and Applied Microbiology, 2011Co-Authors: Peter Vandamme, Peter DawyndtAbstract:The Burkholderia cepacia complex is a group of closely related species with conflicting biological properties. Triggered by the devastating effect of pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis patients, the scientific community generated an unusually large amount of taxonomic data for these bacteria during the past 15 years. This review presents the polyphasic, multilocus and genomic methodology used for the classification and identification of these bacteria. The current state-of-the-art demonstrates that present day taxonomists can replace traditional DNA-DNA hybridizations for species level demarcation and 16S rRNA sequence analysis for studying phylogeny by superior whole genome sequence-based parameters within the framework of polyphasic taxonomic studies.
-
Environmental Burkholderia cepacia complex isolates in human infections.
Emerging infectious diseases, 2007Co-Authors: Adam Baldwin, John R. W. Govan, Peter Vandamme, Eshwar Mahenthiralingam, John J. Lipuma, Pavel Drevinek, David J. Waine, Luigi Chiarini, Claudia Dalmastri, Deborah A HenryAbstract:Members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), found in many environments, are associated with clinical infections. Examining diverse species and strains from different environments with multilocus sequence typing, we identified >20% of 381 clinical isolates as indistinguishable from those in the environment. This finding links the natural environment with the emergence of many Bcc infections.
-
proposal to accommodate Burkholderia cepacia genomovar vi as Burkholderia dolosa sp nov
International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 2004Co-Authors: Karen Vermis, Hans Nelis, Tom Coenye, Eshwar Mahenthiralingam, John J. Lipuma, Peter VandammeAbstract:Phenotypic and genotypic studies revealed new tools for differentiating Burkholderia cepacia genomovar VI from Burkholderia multivorans and other B. cepacia-complex species. Hence, the name Burkholderia dolosa sp. nov. is proposed, with LMG 18943T (=CCUG 47727T) as the type strain. B. dolosa can be differentiated from other B. cepacia-complex bacteria by its inability to assimilate tryptamine, azelaic acid and salicin and by its failure to grow on the B. cepacia-selective medium PCAT. Both 16S rDNA and recA RFLP analysis revealed unique B. dolosa restriction patterns. In addition, new 16S rDNA- and recA-based PCR assays allowed its specific identification.
-
Updated version of the Burkholderia cepacia complex experimental strain panel.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2003Co-Authors: Tom Coenye, John R. W. Govan, Peter Vandamme, John J. Lipuma, Eshwar MahenthiralingamAbstract:The Burkholderia cepacia complex consists of nine closely related species: Burkholderia cepacia genomovars I and VI, Burkholderia multivorans (genomovar II), Burkholderia cenocepacia (genomovar III), Burkholderia stabilis (genomovar IV), Burkholderia vietnamiensis (genomovar V), Burkholderia
John J. Lipuma - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
In Vitro Activity of Ceftolozane-Tazobactam and Other Antimicrobial Agents against Burkholderia cepacia Complex and Burkholderia gladioli.
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2017Co-Authors: Dale M. Mazer, Carol Young, Linda M. Kalikin, Theodore Spilker, John J. LipumaAbstract:ABSTRACT We tested the activities of ceftolozane-tazobactam and 13 other antimicrobial agents against 221 strains of Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli. Most strains (82%) were cultured from persons with cystic fibrosis, and most (85%) were recovered since 2011. The ceftolozane-tazobactam MIC was ≤8 μg/ml for 77% of the strains. However, the MIC range was broad (≤0.5 to >64 μg/ml; MIC 50/90 , 2/32 μg/ml). Significant differences in susceptibility to some antimicrobial agents were observed between species.
-
intrinsic resistance of Burkholderia cepacia complex to benzalkonium chloride
Mbio, 2016Co-Authors: Ohgew Kweon, John J. Lipuma, Richard C Jones, Kellie A Woodling, Goncalo Gamboa Da Costa, David Hussong, Bernard S Marasa, Carl E CernigliaAbstract:ABSTRACT Pharmaceutical products that are contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) bacteria may pose serious consequences to vulnerable patients. Benzyldimethylalkylammonium chloride (BZK) cationic surfactants are extensively used in medical applications and have been implicated in the coselection of antimicrobial resistance. The ability of BCC to degrade BZK, tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (C 14 BDMA-Cl), dodecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (C 12 BDMA-Cl), decyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (C 10 BDMA-Cl), hexyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, and benzyltrimethylammonium chloride was determined by incubation in 1/10-diluted tryptic soy broth (TSB) to determine if BCC bacteria have the ability to survive and inactivate these disinfectants. With BZK, C 14 BDMA-Cl, and C 12 BDMA-Cl, inhibition of the growth of 20 BCC strains was observed in disinfectant solutions that ranged from 64 to 256 µg/ml. The efflux pump inhibitor carbonyl cyanide m -chlorophenylhydrazone increased the sensitivity of bacteria to 64 µg/ml BZK. The 20 BCC strains grew well in 1/10-diluted TSB medium with BZK, C 12 BDMA-Cl, and C 10 BDMA-Cl; they absorbed and degraded the compounds in 7 days. Formation of benzyldimethylamine and benzylmethylamine as the initial metabolites suggested that the cleavage of the C alkyl-N bond occurred as the first step of BZK degradation by BCC bacteria. Proteomic data confirmed the observed efflux activity and metabolic inactivation via biodegradation in terms of BZK resistance of BCC bacteria, which suggests that the two main resistance mechanisms are intrinsic and widespread. IMPORTANCE Benzyldimethylalkylammonium chloride is commonly used as an antiseptic in the United States. Several recent microbial outbreaks were linked to antiseptics that were found to contain strains of the Burkholderia cepacia complex. Burkholderia species survived in antiseptics, possibly because of the degradation of antiseptic molecules or regulation of relevant gene expression. In this study, we assessed the efflux pump and the potential of B. cepacia complex bacteria to degrade benzyldimethylalkylammonium chloride and improved our understanding of the resistance mechanisms, by using proteomic and metabolic information. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic report of the intrinsic mechanisms of B. cepacia complex strain resistance to benzyldimethylalkylammonium chloride, based on the metabolic and proteomic evidence for efflux pumps and the complete biodegradation of benzyldimethylalkylammonium chloride.
-
activity of tobramycin against cystic fibrosis isolates of Burkholderia cepacia complex grown as biofilms
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2016Co-Authors: Sarah Kennedy, Trevor Beaudoin, Emma Caraher, James E A Zlosnik, Elizabeth Tullis, David P. Speert, John J. Lipuma, Valerie WatersAbstract:Pulmonary infection with Burkholderia cepacia complex in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is associated with more-rapid lung function decline and earlier death than in CF patients without this infection. In this study, we used confocal microscopy to visualize the effects of various concentrations of tobramycin, achievable with systemic and aerosolized drug administration, on mature B. cepacia complex biofilms, both in the presence and absence of CF sputum. After 24 h of growth, biofilm thickness was significantly reduced by exposure to 2,000 μg/ml of tobramycin for Burkholderia cepacia, Burkholderia multivorans, and Burkholderia vietnamiensis; 200 μg/ml of tobramycin was sufficient to reduce the thickness of Burkholderia dolosa biofilm. With a more mature 48-h biofilm, significant reductions in thickness were seen with tobramycin at concentrations of ≥100 μg/ml for all Burkholderia species. In addition, an increased ratio of dead to live cells was observed in comparison to control with tobramycin concentrations of ≥200 μg/ml for B. cepacia and B. dolosa (24 h) and ≥100 μg/ml for Burkholderia cenocepacia and B. dolosa (48 h). Although sputum significantly increased biofilm thickness, tobramycin concentrations of 1,000 μg/ml were still able to significantly reduce biofilm thickness of all B. cepacia complex species with the exception of B. vietnamiensis. In the presence of sputum, 1,000 μg/ml of tobramycin significantly increased the dead-to-live ratio only for B. multivorans compared to control. In summary, although killing is attenuated, high-dose tobramycin can effectively decrease the thickness of B. cepacia complex biofilms, even in the presence of sputum, suggesting a possible role as a suppressive therapy in CF.
-
Intrinsic Resistance of Burkholderia cepacia Complex to Benzalkonium Chloride
American Society for Microbiology, 2016Co-Authors: Youngbeom Ahn, John J. Lipuma, Ohgew Kweon, Richard C Jones, Kellie A Woodling, Goncalo Gamboa Da Costa, David Hussong, Jeong Myeong Kim, Seong-jae Kim, Bernard S MarasaAbstract:Pharmaceutical products that are contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) bacteria may pose serious consequences to vulnerable patients. Benzyldimethylalkylammonium chloride (BZK) cationic surfactants are extensively used in medical applications and have been implicated in the coselection of antimicrobial resistance. The ability of BCC to degrade BZK, tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (C14BDMA-Cl), dodecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (C12BDMA-Cl), decyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (C10BDMA-Cl), hexyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, and benzyltrimethylammonium chloride was determined by incubation in 1/10-diluted tryptic soy broth (TSB) to determine if BCC bacteria have the ability to survive and inactivate these disinfectants. With BZK, C14BDMA-Cl, and C12BDMA-Cl, inhibition of the growth of 20 BCC strains was observed in disinfectant solutions that ranged from 64 to 256 µg/ml. The efflux pump inhibitor carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone increased the sensitivity of bacteria to 64 µg/ml BZK. The 20 BCC strains grew well in 1/10-diluted TSB medium with BZK, C12BDMA-Cl, and C10BDMA-Cl; they absorbed and degraded the compounds in 7 days. Formation of benzyldimethylamine and benzylmethylamine as the initial metabolites suggested that the cleavage of the C alkyl-N bond occurred as the first step of BZK degradation by BCC bacteria. Proteomic data confirmed the observed efflux activity and metabolic inactivation via biodegradation in terms of BZK resistance of BCC bacteria, which suggests that the two main resistance mechanisms are intrinsic and widespread
-
in vitro efficacy of high dose tobramycin against Burkholderia cepacia complex and stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates from cystic fibrosis patients
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2015Co-Authors: Anina Ratjen, James E A Zlosnik, Elizabeth Tullis, David P. Speert, John J. Lipuma, Yvonne C W Yau, Jillian Wettlaufer, Larissa Matukas, Valerie WatersAbstract:Burkholderia cepacia complex and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections are associated with poor clinical outcomes in persons with cystic fibrosis (CF). The MIC50 based on planktonic growth and the biofilm concentration at which 50% of the isolates tested are inhibited (BIC50) of tobramycin were measured for 180 B. cepacia complex and 101 S. maltophilia CF isolates and were 100 μg/ml for both species. New inhalation devices that deliver high tobramycin levels to the lung may be able to exceed these MICs.
Eshwar Mahenthiralingam - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Direct Culture-Independent Strain Typing of Burkholderia cepacia Complex in Sputum Samples from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Journal of clinical microbiology, 2010Co-Authors: Pavel Drevinek, Sarka Vosahlikova, Klara Dedeckova, Ondrej Cinek, Eshwar MahenthiralingamAbstract:We examined if multilocus sequence typing (MLST), a method for genotyping and species identification of Burkholderia cepacia complex bacteria, could be applied directly to cystic fibrosis sputum. The redesigned nested-PCR MLST format was successfully used to accurately identify strains in 23 sputum samples, of which 8 were culture negative.
-
biocide susceptibility of the Burkholderia cepacia complex
Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2009Co-Authors: Helen Rose, Adam Baldwin, Christopher G. Dowson, Eshwar MahenthiralingamAbstract:Objectives: The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) species are important opportunistic pathogens with intrinsic antibiotic resistance. They are also well known as contaminants of disinfectants, yet their biocide susceptibility has not been studied in detail. We investigated Bcc biocide susceptibility and correlated it to their taxonomy, antibiotic susceptibility and ability to form biofilms. Methods: Genetically distinct Bcc strains belonging to 12 of the defined species were examined. Biocide susceptibility was assessed by (i) broth dilution MIC assays, (ii) agar growth-based MBC screens and (iii) suspension tests. Antibiotic MIC was determined by Etest® strips, and the ability to form biofilms was examined in a 96-well plate assay. Results: Biocide susceptibility varied across the Bcc complex with high MIC recorded for chlorhexidine (>100 mg/L), cetylpyridinium chloride (>200 mg/L), triclosan (>500 mg/L), benzalkonium chloride (>400 mg/L) and povidone (>50 000 mg/L). Species-dependent differences were apparent only for cetylpyridinium chloride. There was no correlation between biocide susceptibility and (i) antibiotic susceptibility or (ii) the ability to form biofilms. Biocide MBC was considerably higher than the MIC (chlorhexidine, 6-fold greater; cetylpyridinium chloride, 20-fold greater). Cystic fibrosis outbreak strains (Burkholderia multivorans Glasgow strain and Burkholderia cenocepacia ET12) possessed elevated chlorhexidine resistance, and Bcc bacteria were also shown to remain viable in current commercial biocide formulations. Conclusions: Bcc bacteria are resistant to a wide range of biocides and further representatives of this group should be included as reference strains in the development of new anti-infectives and commercial formulations.
-
Environmental Burkholderia cepacia complex isolates in human infections.
Emerging infectious diseases, 2007Co-Authors: Adam Baldwin, John R. W. Govan, Peter Vandamme, Eshwar Mahenthiralingam, John J. Lipuma, Pavel Drevinek, David J. Waine, Luigi Chiarini, Claudia Dalmastri, Deborah A HenryAbstract:Members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), found in many environments, are associated with clinical infections. Examining diverse species and strains from different environments with multilocus sequence typing, we identified >20% of 381 clinical isolates as indistinguishable from those in the environment. This finding links the natural environment with the emergence of many Bcc infections.
-
the multifarious multireplicon Burkholderia cepacia complex
Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2005Co-Authors: Eshwar Mahenthiralingam, Teresa A Urban, Joanna B. GoldbergAbstract:The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is a collection of genetically distinct but phenotypically similar bacteria that are divided into at least nine species. Bcc bacteria are found throughout the environment, where they can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on plants and some members can also degrade natural and man-made pollutants. Bcc bacteria are now recognized as important opportunistic pathogens that can cause variable lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients, which result in asymptomatic carriage, chronic infection or 'cepacia syndrome', which is characterized by a rapid decline in lung function that can include invasive disease. Here we highlight the unique characteristics of the Bcc, focusing on the factors that determine virulence.
-
proposal to accommodate Burkholderia cepacia genomovar vi as Burkholderia dolosa sp nov
International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 2004Co-Authors: Karen Vermis, Hans Nelis, Tom Coenye, Eshwar Mahenthiralingam, John J. Lipuma, Peter VandammeAbstract:Phenotypic and genotypic studies revealed new tools for differentiating Burkholderia cepacia genomovar VI from Burkholderia multivorans and other B. cepacia-complex species. Hence, the name Burkholderia dolosa sp. nov. is proposed, with LMG 18943T (=CCUG 47727T) as the type strain. B. dolosa can be differentiated from other B. cepacia-complex bacteria by its inability to assimilate tryptamine, azelaic acid and salicin and by its failure to grow on the B. cepacia-selective medium PCAT. Both 16S rDNA and recA RFLP analysis revealed unique B. dolosa restriction patterns. In addition, new 16S rDNA- and recA-based PCR assays allowed its specific identification.
Tom Coenye - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
proposal to accommodate Burkholderia cepacia genomovar vi as Burkholderia dolosa sp nov
International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 2004Co-Authors: Karen Vermis, Hans Nelis, Tom Coenye, Eshwar Mahenthiralingam, John J. Lipuma, Peter VandammeAbstract:Phenotypic and genotypic studies revealed new tools for differentiating Burkholderia cepacia genomovar VI from Burkholderia multivorans and other B. cepacia-complex species. Hence, the name Burkholderia dolosa sp. nov. is proposed, with LMG 18943T (=CCUG 47727T) as the type strain. B. dolosa can be differentiated from other B. cepacia-complex bacteria by its inability to assimilate tryptamine, azelaic acid and salicin and by its failure to grow on the B. cepacia-selective medium PCAT. Both 16S rDNA and recA RFLP analysis revealed unique B. dolosa restriction patterns. In addition, new 16S rDNA- and recA-based PCR assays allowed its specific identification.
-
Updated version of the Burkholderia cepacia complex experimental strain panel.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2003Co-Authors: Tom Coenye, John R. W. Govan, Peter Vandamme, John J. Lipuma, Eshwar MahenthiralingamAbstract:The Burkholderia cepacia complex consists of nine closely related species: Burkholderia cepacia genomovars I and VI, Burkholderia multivorans (genomovar II), Burkholderia cenocepacia (genomovar III), Burkholderia stabilis (genomovar IV), Burkholderia vietnamiensis (genomovar V), Burkholderia
-
An epidemic Burkholderia cepacia complex strain identified in soil
Lancet (London England), 2002Co-Authors: John J. Lipuma, Tom Coenye, Theodore Spilker, Carlos F. GonzalezAbstract:Summary Life threatening infection with species of the Burkholderia cepacia complex frequently occurs as a result of cross infection among individuals with cystic fibrosis. Stringent infection control measures have decreased but not eliminated such infection in this vulnerable population, implying that non-patient reservoirs contribute to ongoing acquisition. However, strains common to both the natural environment and patients with cystic fibrosis have not yet been described. By use of various genotyping methods, we have identified from agricultural soil the B cepacia genomovar III strain that is most frequently recovered from cystic fibrosis patients in the mid-Atlantic region of the USA. This finding indicates that human pathogenic strains are not necessarily distinct from environmental strains, and might help explain ongoing human acquisition despite strict infection control measures.
-
taxonomy and identification of the Burkholderia cepacia complex
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2001Co-Authors: Tom Coenye, John R. W. Govan, Peter Vandamme, John J. LipumaAbstract:At the beginning of this review it is essential to clarify the terminology that will be used to refer to the members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex and their relatives. The name B. cepacia will relate only to B. cepacia genomovar I. Strains resembling B. cepacia may belong to the B. cepacia
-
Burkholderia cepacia genomovar vi a new member of the Burkholderia cepacia complex isolated from cystic fibrosis patients
International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 2001Co-Authors: Tom Coenye, Deborah A Henry, David P. Speert, Katrien Vandemeulebroecke, Bart Hoste, John J. Lipuma, Monique Gillis, Peter VandammeAbstract:A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on 23 strains isolated from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients in the USA. These strains were tentatively identified as Burkholderia cepacia, Burkholderia vietnamiensis and Burkholderia or Ralstonia sp. using biochemical tests and 16S rDNA-based PCR assays. Visual comparison of protein profiles indicated that they belonged to a single new group ('group 13'). The polyphasic taxonomic data showed that 18 of these strains represent a new member of the B. cepacia complex, referred to in this report as B. cepacia genomovar VI, whereas the other five strains belonged to Burkholderia multivorans. By means of biochemical tests, B. cepacia genomovar VI strains can be separated from B. cepacia genomovars I and III, Burkholderia stabilis, B. vietnamiensis and Burkholderia gladioli, but not from B. multivorans. Separation of B. cepacia genomovar VI and B. multivorans is possible using AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) fingerprinting and DNA-DNA hybridizations. Retrospective analysis of epidemiological and genotypic data suggests that strains of B. cepacia genomovar VI have been involved in chronic colonization of CF patients and have been spread from person to person.
Eric Déziel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Potential of the Burkholderia cepacia Complex to Produce 4-Hydroxy-3-Methyl-2-Alkyquinolines
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 2019Co-Authors: Pauline Coulon, Marie-christine Groleau, Eric DézielAbstract:A few Burkholderia species, especially Burkholderia pseudomallei, Burkholderia thailandensis, Burkholderia ambifaria, and Burkholderia cepacia, are known to produce and release various 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-alkylquinolines (HMAQs), a family of molecules analogous to the 4-hydroxy-2-alkylquinolines [aka 2-n-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolones] of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which include the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS). However, while these exoproducts play several roles in P. aeruginosa virulence and survival, the available literature is very limited on their distribution and function in Burkholderia. In this perspective article, we studied the distribution of the hmqABCDEFG operon, which encodes the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of HMAQs, in the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) group. Based on the available sequence data, about one third of Bcc species carry a homolog of the hmqABCDEFG, and not all sequenced strains in a given species possess this operon. Looking at the synteny of genes surrounding the hmqABCDEFG operon, we found that for some species, the operon seems to have been deleted or replaced by other genes. Finally, we review the literature on the possible function of HMAQs. Understanding the Hmq system may provide clues concerning their functions in Bcc.
-
Data_Sheet_1_Potential of the Burkholderia cepacia Complex to Produce 4-Hydroxy-3-Methyl-2-Alkyquinolines.pdf
2019Co-Authors: Pauline M. L. Coulon, Marie-christine Groleau, Eric DézielAbstract:A few Burkholderia species, especially Burkholderia pseudomallei, Burkholderia thailandensis, Burkholderia ambifaria, and Burkholderia cepacia, are known to produce and release various 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-alkylquinolines (HMAQs), a family of molecules analogous to the 4-hydroxy-2-alkylquinolines [aka 2-n-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolones] of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which include the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS). However, while these exoproducts play several roles in P. aeruginosa virulence and survival, the available literature is very limited on their distribution and function in Burkholderia. In this perspective article, we studied the distribution of the hmqABCDEFG operon, which encodes the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of HMAQs, in the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) group. Based on the available sequence data, about one third of Bcc species carry a homolog of the hmqABCDEFG, and not all sequenced strains in a given species possess this operon. Looking at the synteny of genes surrounding the hmqABCDEFG operon, we found that for some species, the operon seems to have been deleted or replaced by other genes. Finally, we review the literature on the possible function of HMAQs. Understanding the Hmq system may provide clues concerning their functions in Bcc.
-
The various lifestyles of the Burkholderia cepacia complex species: a tribute to adaptation.
Environmental Microbiology, 2011Co-Authors: Ludovic Vial, Marie-christine Groleau, Annelise Chapalain, Eric DézielAbstract:The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is composed of 17 closely related species. These bacteria are widely but heterogeneously distributed in the natural environment, such as soil, water and rhizosphere. Bcc strains are able to colonize various ecological niches by adopting versatile lifestyles, including saprophytism and (positive or deleterious) association with eukaryotic cells. Bcc strains have proven to be very efficient in biocontrol, plant growth promotion and bioremediation. However, they also are important opportunistic pathogens that can cause severe respiratory infections among individuals suffering from cystic fibrosis or chronic granulomatous disease. Therefore, considering that the distinction between plant beneficial and clinical strains is not obvious, biotechnological applications of Bcc strains are currently not allowed. This minireview provides an overview of the wide range of lifestyles that Bcc bacteria can adopt, leading to glimpses into their tremendous adaptation potential and highlighting remaining questions concerning potential implicated mechanisms.
