(bŭrk″hōl-der′ē-ă)

A genus of aerobic gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria (family Burkholderiaceae) that includes some species that are significant animal and plant pathogens and many other species that are environmentally active in biodegradation.

Burkholderia cepacia

A species that causes nosocomial infections, esp. in intensive care units. Most susceptible are patients on mechanical ventilation and those with cystic fibrosis or chronic granulomatous disease. It is resistant to aminoglycosides and many cephalosporin antibiotics.

Burkholderia gladioli

A species of multiply drug-resistant bacteria that may cause ocular infections, pneumonia (esp. in patients with cystic fibrosis), skin abscesses, and other infections.

Burkholderia mallei

A species that causes glanders and farcy. It has been used as a biological weapon. It was formerly called Pseudomonas mallei.

Burkholderia pseudomallei

A species that causes melioidosis.