Atypical morphological characteristics and surface antigen expression of Burkholderia pseudomallei in naturally infected human synovial tissues.

Abstract Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis, a disease that frequently runs a protracted course and is very difficult to eradicate. The mechanisms that this organism uses to escape from host defense mechanisms and antibiotics are not well understood. The aim of the study was to compare the morphological characteristics and surface antigen expression of B. pseudomallei in naturally infected human synovial tissues with the characteristics of bacteria grown in culture media. Immunoelectron microscopic study was performed in four synovial biopsies taken from four B. pseudomallei septic arthritis patients. Colonies of pathogenic B. pseudomallei collected from culture media were used as positive controls. Polyclonal antibody to whole cell B. pseudomallei was used as a primary antibody. Complete bacteria-like particles were demonstrated both extracellularly and intracellularly in all four synovial specimens. The intracytoplasmic location of B. pseudomallei and mononuclear phagosome containing microcolony-like structures were demonstrated. B. pseudomallei found in the synovial membrane samples were mostly atypical, with fewer cytoplasmic electron lucent granules. Immunogold staining of bacterial surface antigens was weaker than staining of positive controls. We demonstrated atypical forms of B. pseudomallei and evidence for suppression of its surface antigens in naturally infected human synovial tissues. This adaptation may help bacteria to survive despite host immune surveillance and treatment with antibiotics.