Using genetic dissection and photothermal nanoblade delivery, a recent paper published in PNAS by Jeff F. Miller, MD., Chair, Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics, UCLA, and others, presents data that suggest that the primary means for intercellular spread of Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia thailandensis involves cell fusion, as opposed to pseudopod engulfment and bacterial escape from double-membrane vacuoles.



