Biological Weapon in Our Backyard

It is alarming to know that there is a biological weapon right in our backyard. This bacteria called Gram-negative bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei, found in soil and water. It is of public health importance in endemic areas particularly in Asia and Australia.

The bacteria could cause Melioidosis (also called Whitmore disease or Nightcliff gardener’s disease). It exists in acute and chronic forms. Symptoms may include pain in chest, bones, or joints; cough; skin infections, lung nodules and pneumonia.

An American scientist even discussed on how to develop this backyard bacteria into a biological weapon. We just hope that people with bad motives will not get interested on this bacteria and develop it into a biological weapon.