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Size distribution and buoyant density of Burkholderia pseudomallei

Jose-Luis Sagripanti1, Monica Carrera, Jeannie Robertson

  • 1Research and Technology Directorate, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, US Army, 5183 Blackhawk Rd, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5424, USA. joseluis.sagripanti@us.army.mil

Archives of Microbiology
|November 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Airborne Burkholderia pseudomallei cells, due to their size and density, can remain airborne and infect via the respiratory route. This highlights the risk of melioidosis transmission through aerosols from infected patients or the environment.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Aerobiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pathogen airborne survival is influenced by microbial cell size and density.
  • Respiratory transmission risk is linked to pathogen aerosolization potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the density and size distribution of Burkholderia pseudomallei.
  • To compare these properties with other Burkholderia species (B. mallei, B. thailandensis).

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of bacterial cell size and density.
  • Standardized preparation and analysis of Burkholderia species.

Main Results:

  • Observed size distribution and densities of several bacterial strains.
  • Aerosolized Burkholderia pseudomallei particles (1-few cells) are efficiently retained in the lungs.

Conclusions:

  • Burkholderia pseudomallei's physical properties enhance its risk for respiratory transmission.
  • Melioidosis transmission via aerosols is a significant concern when the pathogen is present in patient fluids or environmental sources.

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