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Volume 15, Number 11—November 2009
Etymologia

Burkholderia
[burk′′hol-dēr′e-ə]

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This genus of gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria comprising animal and plant pathogens was named for American plant pathologist Walter H. Burkholder. Dr. Burkholder first described a particular species of this genus, later called Burkholderia cepacia (Latin for “like onion”), after an outbreak of infection in vegetable growers in New York State in 1949. Previously known to cause disease in onion bulbs, these organisms are now recognized as major bacterial lung pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis. B. mallei causes glanders in horses, and B. pseudomallei is the etiologic agent of melioidosis in humans and animals. Dr. Burkholder is recognized for helping establish the role of bacteria as plant pathogens.

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Cite This Article

DOI: 10.3201/eid1511.e11511

Sources: Dorland’s illustrated medical dictionary, 31st edition. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2007; De Soyza A, Silipo A, Lanzetta R, Govan JR, Molinaro A. Chemical and biological features of Burkholderia cepacia complex lipopolysaccarides. Innate Immunity. 2008;14:127.

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Table of Contents – Volume 15, Number 11—November 2009

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Page created: December 09, 2010
Page updated: December 09, 2010
Page reviewed: December 09, 2010
The conclusions, findings, and opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors' affiliated institutions. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by any of the groups named above.
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