English

DTIC ADA466217: Environmental Survival, Military Relevance, and Persistence of Burkholderia Pseudomallei

Burkholderia pseudomallei causes melioidosis, a fatal septicemic infection following either soil or water exposure. The organism is endemic in Asia, where it is able to survive in either desiccated environments or distilled water for several years. The goal of this work was to evaluate available data and to assess the biological hazard posed by B. pseudomallei in environmental water, soil, or on inanimate surfaces. We reviewed the historical impact of melioidosis on the military, clinical aspects of the disease, its laboratory diagnosis, and the molecular and phenotypic characteristics of B. pseudomallei. We then evaluated the effect of geographic environments and habitats (water, soil, climate), as well as physical (ultraviolet radiation, temperature) and chemical (pH, chlorine) factors on the survival of B. pseudomallei. In addition, we analyzed a variety of biological properties that enhance the survival of B. pseudomallei, including metabolic adaptation, biofilm formation, and intracellular survival in protozoa, fungi, and specific parts of legume roots. We identified critical data needed for accurate risk prediction and effective threat reduction of the risk posed by B. pseudo

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