Genomic complexity and plasticity of Burkholderia cepacia

Abstract

Burkholderia cepacia has attracted attention because of its extraordinary degradative abilities and its potential as a pathogen for plants and for humans. This bacterium was formerly considered to belong to the genus Pseudomonas in the y-subclass of the Proteobacteria, but recently has been assigned to the P-subclass based on rrn gene sequence analyses and other key phenotypic characteristics. The B. cepacia genome is comprised of multiple chromosomes and is rich in insertion sequences. These two features may have played a key role in the evolution of novel degradative functions and the unusual adaptability of this bacterium.

Cloning and analysis of genomic differences unique to Burkholderia pseudomallei by comparison with B. thailandensis

“…The variable distribution of the cloned sequences amongst the B. pseudomallei strains tested suggests signi®cant genotypic diversity, reminiscent of that observed in B. cepacia [57]. Such diversity may have implications for the pathogenesis of melioidosis and may, in part, explain the variable presentation of melioidosis [3].…”

Burkholderia cepacia complex infection in patients with cystic fibrosis

“…B. cepacia complex bacteria possess many of the bacterial factors known to play a role in P. aeruginosa CF infection [21]. Many of the answers to virulence lie within the fact that all B. cepacia complex bacteria have very large and unusual genomes [5,22]. Average genome size is c. 8 Mb and the DNA is carried on at least two, or frequently three or four large replicons [5,22].…”

“…Many of the answers to virulence lie within the fact that all B. cepacia complex bacteria have very large and unusual genomes [5,22]. Average genome size is c. 8 Mb and the DNA is carried on at least two, or frequently three or four large replicons [5,22]. Hence the potential for strain-to-strain variation in genomic content is enormous and perhaps contributes to the heterogeneity in virulence and pathogenesis.…”

Salicylate induces an antibiotic efflux pump in Burkholderia cepacia complex genomovar III (B. cenocepacia)

“…The identification of efflux pumps in B. cepacia complex is not unexpected (50). These nutritionally versatile organisms, which have been used for bioremediation (51)(52)(53), have also been implicated in multiple nosocomial outbreaks as a result of resistance to common hospital disinfectants (54,55).…”