Burkholderiales

Burkholderiales is an order of proteobacteria. It includes several pathogenic bacteria, including species of Burkholderia, Ralstonia, and Bordetella. Other members of Burkholderiales are used in biotechnology.

Taxonomy

The Burkholderiales order is divided into two families: Burkholderiaceae and Comamonadaceae. The Burkholderiaceae family includes the genera Burkholderia, Ralstonia, and Pandoraea. The Comamonadaceae family includes the genera Comamonas, Delftia, and Variovorax.

Pathogenicity

Several species within the Burkholderiales order are pathogenic. For example, Burkholderia pseudomallei causes melioidosis, a disease that can be fatal in humans and animals. Burkholderia cepacia is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis. Bordetella pertussis is the bacterium responsible for whooping cough.

Biotechnology

Some Burkholderiales bacteria are used in biotechnology. For example, Burkholderia xenovorans is known for its ability to degrade polychlorinated biphenyls, a type of toxic pollutant. Ralstonia eutropha can produce polyhydroxyalkanoates, a type of biodegradable plastic.

See also

• List of bacterial orders
• Proteobacteria
• Pathogenic bacteria

References

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