How can you differentiate between Pseudomonas and Burkholderia cepacia?

The ability to differentiate between Pseudomonas and Burkholderia cepacia is crucial for accurate identification of these organisms, especially in clinical microbiology. Pseudomonas species, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are known to be lactose-negative; they do not ferment lactose and will not produce acid or gas on lactose-containing media.

This characteristic plays a significant role in distinguishing them from other enteric bacteria that may be lactose-positive. In contrast, Burkholderia cepacia, a member of the Burkholderia genus, also does not ferment lactose, which supports the lactose-negative distinction for both organisms. However, the question focuses on identifying that Pseudomonas species specifically are lactose-negative, which reinforces this identification and is a key part of differentiating microbiological profiles of these bacteria.

Understanding these biochemical properties allows clinical microbiologists to accurately classify and identify specimens leading to appropriate treatment measures for infections caused by these pathogens.