Glanders: New insights into an Old Disease

摘要

There has been a renewed interest in B. mallei over the past decade because of its potential use as a biological weapon. Future studies on the genomics, proteomics, and molecular biology of this intriguing pathogen should lead to a better understanding of the factors required for virulence in animal models of infection. These factors may be useful as vaccines for the prevention of human and equine glanders. In addition, further studies on the host response to infection with B. mallei should allow a more complete understanding of the pathogenesis of glanders. Equines are the only natural reservoir for B. mallei, and the worldwide eradication of glanders is theoretically possible but would require the diagnosis and slaughter of infected animals. The worldwide eradication of glanders would require significant funding, coordination, and cooperation from countries with infected equines.