Rank: Species
Lineage: Bacteria;Proteobacteria;Betaproteobacteria;Burkholderiales;Burkholderiaceae;Burkholderia;Burkholderia mallei
Description: Burkholderia mallei. This organism is rarely associated with human infection, and is more commonly seen in domesticated animals such as horses, donkeys, and mules where it causes glanders, a disease first described by Aristotle. This organism is similar to B. pseudomallei and is differentiated by being nonmotile. The pathogen is host-adapted and is not found in the environment outside of its host. Glanders is often fatal if not treated with antibiotics, and transmission can occur through the air, or more commonly when in contact with infected animals. Rapid-onset pneumonia, bacteremia (spread of the organism through the blood), pustules, and death are common outcomes during infection. The virulence mechanisms are not well understood, although a type III secretion system similar to the one from Salmonella typhimurium is necessary. No vaccine exists for this potentially dangerous organism.
Reference Material:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genome/?term=Burkholderia%20mallei
