Burkholderia mallei

Consult Infectious Diseases

Gram Stain

• Gram negative straight/slightly curved bacilli - nonfermenter (aerobic)

Clinical Significance

This organism causes glanders in domestic animals (notably horses) and can occasionally be transmitted to humans by inoculation into the skin or by inhalation.

It is relatively common in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Clinical manifestations include septicemia, pneumonitis (acute or chronic) and hemorrhagic necrotic lesions of the skin, nasal mucous membranes and lymph nodes.