Immune response to Burkholderia pseudomallei

Abstract

Burkholderia pseudomallei are the causative agents of melioidosis, a disease found mostly in people with underlying risk factors. Fifty percent of cases are community-acquired septicemias and manifestation can vary from acute septicemia (with or without shock), to chronic, to subclinical infections. There is no vaccine to prevent the condition. It is difficult to eradicate the bacteria. Prolonged antibiotic therapy is required. Finally, there is a high rate of relapse when therapy is not completed The bacteria can activate both innate and adaptive immune responses but B. pseudomallei employ numerous tactics to evade these immune responses. The pathogenesis of melioidosis is poorly understood, especially the interaction between the host and the pathogen that results in acute and chronic infections. The objective of this review was to summarize the current understanding of the immunology of melioidosis. This review presents an overview of host immune response to B. pseudomallei and benefits the development of research into immunology and promotes an understanding of the mechanism and pathology of B. pseudomallei infection.