RESUMEN
We developed a rapid oligonucleotide microarray assay based on genetic markers for the accurate identification and differentiation of Burkholderia (B.) mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei, the agents of glanders and melioidosis, respectively. These two agents were clearly identified using at least 4 independent genetic markers including 16S rRNA gene, fliC, motB and also by novel species-specific target genes, identified by in silico sequence analysis. Specific hybridization signal profiles allowed the detection and differentiation of up to 10 further Burkholderia spp., including the closely related species Burkholderia thailandensis and Burkholderia-like agents, such as Burkholderia cepacia, Burkholderia cenocepacia, Burkholderia vietnamiensis, Burkholderia ambifaria, and Burkholderia gladioli, which are often associated with cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. The assay was developed using the easy-to-handle and economical ArrayTube (AT) platform. A representative strain panel comprising 44 B. mallei, 32 B. pseudomallei isolates, and various Burkholderia type strains were examined to validate the test. Assay specificity was determined by examination of 40 non-Burkholderia strains.