Burkholderia infections are a category of bacterial infections brought on by different Burkholderia species, such as Burkholderia mallei, Burkholderia pseudomallei, and Burkholderia cepacia complex. From minor infections like skin and soft tissue infections to serious infections like pneumonia, sepsis, and abscesses, these diseases can result in a wide spectrum of clinical presentations. Burkholderia infections, however, can be difficult to diagnose and treat, which can cause delays in those processes and poor clinical results.
Due to the varying clinical presentations of these infections and the absence of specialised diagnostic tests, diagnosing Burkholderia infections can be difficult. These infections may occasionally be mistaken as other bacterial illnesses, which might result in ineffective therapy. However, improvements in molecular diagnostic methods, including PCR and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), have made it possible to quickly and accurately diagnose Burkholderia infections.
Due to this bacteria's innate resistance to many medicines, treating Burkholderia infections can be difficult. Treatment is further complicated by the innate resistance of some Burkholderia species to specific antibiotic groups. Recent research, however, suggests that several antibiotics, including trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ceftazidime, and meropenem, may be useful in treating Burkholderia infections.
Other therapeutic approaches, such as immunotherapy and supportive care, may potentially be helpful in the management of Burkholderia infections in addition to antibiotic therapy. Supportive treatment, such as mechanical ventilation and fluid resuscitation, can improve clinical outcomes in patients with severe infections while immunotherapy, such as monoclonal antibodies, can strengthen the host immune response against Burkholderia.
