Which genus is associated with melioidosis and has a species that is the causative agent in that disease?

• A. Burkholderia cepacia
• B. Burkholderia pseudomallei
• C. Moraxella catarrhalis
• D. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Answer: (B)

Melioidosis is caused by a bacterium of the Burkholderia genus, specifically Burkholderia pseudomallei. This environmental organism lives in soil and water in tropical regions and is the classic cause of melioidosis, which can range from localized infections to severe sepsis. The other organisms listed are pathogens but not associated with melioidosis: for example, Burkholderia cepacia is known for CF lung and hospital infections, Moraxella catarrhalis commonly causes otitis media and bronchitis, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic hospital pathogen. Therefore, Burkholderia pseudomallei is the species linked to melioidosis.