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Molecular characterization of clinical Burkholderia pseudomallei isolates from India

Chiranjay Mukhopadhyay1, Mirjam Kaestli, Kalwaje Eshwara Vandana

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal University, Karnataka, India. chiranjay.m@manipal.edu

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|July 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Multilocus sequence typing revealed six distinct sequence types among seven Burkholderia pseudomallei isolates from India, indicating significant genetic diversity. This diversity suggests melioidosis may have spread historically along trade routes, with links to strains from Asia and Africa.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Melioidosis is a serious infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei.
  • Understanding the genetic diversity and geographic distribution of B. pseudomallei is crucial for public health.
  • Previous studies have suggested potential links between Indian strains and those from other regions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the genetic diversity of Burkholderia pseudomallei isolates from India using multilocus sequence typing.
  • To investigate potential historical dissemination routes of melioidosis based on genetic relatedness of Indian strains to international isolates.
  • To examine the presence of the Burkholderia mallei allele of the bimA gene in Indian isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed on seven isolates of Burkholderia pseudomallei obtained from India.
  • Sequence data was analyzed to determine the number of distinct sequence types (STs).
  • Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to compare Indian STs with known international B. pseudomallei and B. mallei strains.

Main Results:

  • Seven Indian isolates belonged to six different sequence types, demonstrating considerable genetic diversity.
  • Genetic profiles of some Indian isolates showed relatedness to strains found in Southeast Asia, China, and Africa.
  • The Burkholderia mallei allele of the bimA gene was detected in the studied Indian isolates.

Conclusions:

  • The genetic diversity observed in Indian Burkholderia pseudomallei isolates suggests a complex population structure.
  • Findings support the hypothesis that historical trading routes may have played a role in the dissemination of melioidosis.
  • The presence of the B. mallei bimA allele warrants further investigation into its evolutionary significance and potential impact on virulence or host adaptation.

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