Discrimination of Burkholderia gladioli from other Burkholderia species detectable in cystic fibrosis patients by PCR.

A procedure for molecular identification of Burkholderia gladioli is described. Specific 16S and 23S rRNA gene signature sequences were defined as primers for PCR. The method allows rapid and specific discrimination of B. gladioli from related species (B. cepacia, B. multivorans, B. vietnamiensis, B. mallei, B. pseudomallei, Ralstonia pickettii, and R. eutropha) and should contribute to the clarification of its role as a human pathogen, e.g., in cystic fibrosis.