Current studies on the pathogenesis of melioidosis

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a major cause of bacterial septicemias in many parts of the world, particularly Thailand; the known geographic range of t he organism appears to be enlarging as awareness of the organism and the di sease it causes - melioidosis - increases. B, pseudomallei is intrinsically resistant to most antibiotics, and our knowledge of B, psezldomdllei patho genesis is lacking. Thus, the long-term objective of our research is to def ine at a molecular level the pathogenesis by combining genetic, immunologic , and biochemical approaches with animal model studies. Basic studies on B. pseudomallei pathogenesis are acutely needed to provide a knowledge base t o rationally design new modes of therapy directed against this organism. (C ) Elsevier, Paris.