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Review

PCR-Based Methodologies Used to Detect and Differentiate the Burkholderia pseudomallei Complex: B. pseudomallei, B. mallei, and B. thailandensis

by
Woan Lowe
,
Jordon K. March
,
Annette J. Bunnell
,
Kim L. O'Neill
and
Richard A. Robison
*
Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2014, 16(1), 23-54; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.016.023
Submission received: 11 April 2013 / Accepted: 7 June 2013 / Published: 22 August 2013

Abstract

Methods for the rapid detection and differentiation of the Burkholderia pseudomallei complex comprising B. pseudomallei, B. mallei, and B. thailandensis, have been the topic of recent research due to the high degree of phenotypic and genotypic similarities of these species. B. pseudomallei and B. mallei are recognized by the CDC as tier 1 select agents. The high mortality rates of glanders and melioidosis, their potential use as bioweapons, and their low infectious dose, necessitate the need for rapid and accurate detection methods. Although B. thailandensis is generally avirulent in mammals, this species displays very similar phenotypic characteristics to that of B. pseudomallei. Optimal identification of these species remains problematic, due to the difficulty in developing a sensitive, selective, and accurate assay. The development of PCR technologies has revolutionized diagnostic testing and these detection methods have become popular due to their speed, sensitivity, and accuracy. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview and evaluation of the advancements in PCR-based detection and differentiation methodologies for the B. pseudomallei complex, and examine their potential uses in diagnostic and environmental testing.

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MDPI and ACS Style

Lowe, W.; March, J.K.; Bunnell, A.J.; O'Neill, K.L.; Robison, R.A. PCR-Based Methodologies Used to Detect and Differentiate the Burkholderia pseudomallei Complex: B. pseudomallei, B. mallei, and B. thailandensis. Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2014, 16, 23-54. https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.016.023

AMA Style

Lowe W, March JK, Bunnell AJ, O'Neill KL, Robison RA. PCR-Based Methodologies Used to Detect and Differentiate the Burkholderia pseudomallei Complex: B. pseudomallei, B. mallei, and B. thailandensis. Current Issues in Molecular Biology. 2014; 16(1):23-54. https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.016.023

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lowe, Woan, Jordon K. March, Annette J. Bunnell, Kim L. O'Neill, and Richard A. Robison. 2014. "PCR-Based Methodologies Used to Detect and Differentiate the Burkholderia pseudomallei Complex: B. pseudomallei, B. mallei, and B. thailandensis" Current Issues in Molecular Biology 16, no. 1: 23-54. https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.016.023

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