BURKHOLDERIA CENOCEPACIA Meaning and
Definition
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Burkholderia cenocepacia is a species of Gram-negative bacteria commonly found in soil and water environments. It belongs to the Burkholderia cepacia complex, a group of bacteria that are often resistant to antibiotics and can cause infections in humans, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis.
The name Burkholderia cenocepacia is derived from its genus Burkholderia, named after the American bacteriologist Walter Burkholder, and the term cenocepacia, which refers to the ability of this bacterium to cause human infections.
This bacterium is an opportunistic pathogen, meaning it can take advantage of a compromised immune system to cause infections, especially in individuals with cystic fibrosis, where it can lead to a severe and often fatal lung infection known as cepacia syndrome. It is highly resistant to many commonly used antibiotics, making treatment challenging.
B. cenocepacia possesses a versatile metabolism and can utilize a wide range of organic compounds, which contributes to its ability to thrive in different environments. It produces several virulence factors, including enzymes that break down host tissues, toxins, and molecules that help it evade the host's immune responses.
In summary, Burkholderia cenocepacia is a pathogenic bacterium belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia complex that is adept at causing infections in individuals with compromised immune systems, particularly those with cystic fibrosis. Its resistance to antibiotics and ability to thrive in diverse environments make it a challenging pathogen to manage and treat.
Etymology of BURKHOLDERIA CENOCEPACIA
The word "Burkholderia cenocepacia" is derived from the scientific nomenclature system used to classify organisms, known as binomial nomenclature. Here is the breakdown of its etymology:
1. Burkholderia: This genus name "Burkholderia" is a tribute to Everett Burkholder, an American microbiologist known for his contributions to the understanding of Burkholderia bacteria. Burkholderia is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria that encompasses several species.
2. Cenocepacia: The species name "cenocepacia" is derived from Greek roots. "Ceno-" meaning "recent" or "newly formed", and "cepacia" refers to the genus Cepacia. This naming convention is based on the observation that the Cenocepacia strain of Burkholderia was found to be distinct from other Burkholderia strains when first isolated.
