# Ecological Diversity, Metabolic Versatility, and Biotechnological Applications of Burkholderia Species: An Overview

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the Burkholderia bacteria, which can be harmful pathogens or helpful microbes, and explores their potential in medicine and agriculture.

## Contribution

The paper integrates current knowledge on the dual nature of Burkholderia species, highlighting their genetic diversity and biotechnological potential.

## Key findings

- Burkholderia species exhibit both pathogenic and beneficial traits, impacting human, animal, and plant health.
- High-throughput genomics reveal genetic diversity and mechanisms underlying their dual roles.
- Burkholderia produces antibiotics and other compounds with pharmaceutical and agricultural applications.

## Abstract

Burkholderia is a metabolically versatile genus of Gram-negative bacteria that inhabits niches ranging from soil and water to plants and clinical environments. This review provides an integrated examination of Burkholderia species, focusing on their dual roles as both pathogens and beneficial microorganisms. Key pathogenic species, such as members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex and the Burkholderia pseudomallei group, pose significant threats to human, animal, and plant health due to their intrinsic antibiotic resistance and diverse virulence factors. Conversely, several environmental and plant-associated Burkholderia species promote plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake, and serve as biocontrol agents, supporting sustainable agriculture. We synthesize current knowledge across taxonomy, genomics, pathogenicity, beneficial interactions, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis—including the prolific production of antibiotics, toxins, and volatile organic compounds with pharmaceutical and agricultural potential. Advances in high-throughput genomics are revealing substantial genetic diversity, genome plasticity, and mechanisms underlying both pathogenicity and beneficial traits. Clarifying this dual nature and identifying strategies to mitigate risks will guide the safe and effective exploitation of Burkholderia in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.