Burkholderia dolosa

Burkholderia dolosa is a species of bacteria that belongs to the genus Burkholderia. It is a gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium. B. dolosa is known for its role in lung infections, particularly in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

Taxonomy

Burkholderia dolosa is a member of the Burkholderia cepacia complex, a group of closely related species that are often difficult to distinguish from one another. The B. cepacia complex is part of the larger Burkholderia genus, which contains over 60 different species.

Pathogenicity

B. dolosa is a pathogen that is particularly associated with lung infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis. It is capable of forming biofilms, which can protect the bacteria from the body's immune response and from antibiotics. This makes infections caused by B. dolosa difficult to treat and can lead to chronic infection.

Treatment

Treatment of B. dolosa infections is challenging due to the bacterium's inherent resistance to many antibiotics. Antibiotic therapy is often used, but the effectiveness of this treatment can be limited by the bacterium's ability to form biofilms. In some cases, lung transplantation may be considered for individuals with severe lung disease caused by B. dolosa.

Research

Research into B. dolosa is ongoing, with scientists seeking to better understand the bacterium's pathogenicity, its resistance to antibiotics, and potential treatment strategies. This research is crucial for improving the prognosis for individuals with cystic fibrosis who are infected with B. dolosa.