BURKHOLDERIAPSEUDOMALLEI

Definition

Burkholderia pseudomallei causes the disease melioidosis (also called Whitmore disease or Nightcliff gardener's disease). Burkholderia pseudomallei is a Gram-negative bacterium found in soil and water. It is of public health importance in endemic areas, particularly in Thailand and northern Australia. The disease, which is infectious and exists in acute and chronic forms. Symptoms may include pain in chest, bones, or joints; cough; skin infections, lung nodules and pneumonia.