In vitro susceptibilities of Burkholderia mallei in comparison to those ofother pathogenic Burkholderia spp.

The in vitro antimicrobial susceptibilities of isolates of Burkholderia mal lei to 16 antibiotics were assessed and compared,vith the susceptibilities of Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia cepacia. The antibiotic susce ptibility profile of B. mallei resembled that of B. pseudomallei more close ly than that of B. cepacia, which corresponds to their similarities in term s of biochemistry, antigenicity, and pathogenicity. Ceftazidime, imipenem, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin were active against both B. mallei and B. ps eudomallei. Gentamicin was active against B. mallei but not against B. pseu domallei. Antibiotics clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of melioidosis may therefore be effective for treating glanders.