How Do You Spell BURKHOLDERIA CEPACIA?

1. Burkholderia cepacia is a species of Gram-negative, aerobic bacterium that belongs to the Burkholderiaceae family. It was first identified and named after the American plant pathologist Walter Burkholder. B. cepacia is widely distributed in nature, including soil, water, and plants, but it is also recognized as an important opportunistic pathogen in humans.

   In a clinical setting, Burkholderia cepacia can cause severe respiratory infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or pre-existing lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis. It is a versatile bacterium known for its resistance to multiple antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat. Its pathogenicity is attributed to various factors, including the production of various enzymes and toxins, as well as its ability to form biofilms.

   Due to concerns about its virulence and antibiotic resistance, Burkholderia cepacia is considered an important bacterium in healthcare settings. It has been associated with outbreaks in hospitals and is often transmitted through contaminated medical devices or medications. Strict infection control measures are necessary to prevent its spread in healthcare environments.

   In addition to its clinical significance, Burkholderia cepacia has gained attention in various scientific fields. It is known for its diverse metabolic capabilities, including the ability to degrade a wide range of organic compounds, making it useful in bioremediation and biotechnology applications. Furthermore, it has been investigated for its potential role in promoting plant growth and enhancing agricultural productivity.

   Overall, Burkholderia cepacia is a complex bacterium with significant medical, environmental, and agricultural implications.

Common Misspellings for BURKHOLDERIA CEPACIA

The word "Burkholderia cepacia" has a dual etymology, with each part of the name honoring different individuals.

1. Burkholderia: The genus name "Burkholderia" was established in honor of the American plant pathologist Walter H. Burkholder. He was a pioneer in the study of bacterial plant diseases, particularly plant pathogens belonging to the genus Pseudomonas. His contributions to the field of microbiology led to the recognition and classification of various bacterial species, including Burkholderia cepacia.

2. Cepacia: The species name "cepacia" refers to the original identification of the bacterium as a human pathogen in 1950, based on the isolation of the organism from the respiratory secretions of patients with cystic fibrosis. It was initially classified as a member of the Pseudomonas genus.