By Kim Tae-gyu
Staff Reporter
A team of Korean scientists has sequenced the genomes of two deadly bacteria, called burkholderia mallei and burkholderia pseudomallei, which can be used in biological warfare.
The team, headed by Prof. Kim Hee-nam at Korea University, said Wednesday that the genetic work will provide a tool against a potential biological attack using the poisonous bacteria.
``Through years of rigorous research, we perfected the genetic blueprints of two potentially dangerous bacteria for the first time in the world,'' the 41-year-old said.
``We project the complete knowledge on the bacteria's sequence will help scientists identify and prepare strains when they are used as biological weapons,'' Kim said.
Kim warned of the dangers involving the two bacteria even if they are not used in a biological warfare _ two Korean tourists were infected with the bacteria after trips to Southeast Asian countries.
As highly contagious bacteria discovered mostly in tropical regions, both burkholderia mallei and burkholderia pseudomallei produce powerful toxins.
They generate endemic diseases similar to pneumonia in the beginning. In extreme cases, patients may die just weeks following infection.
In particular, Japan's now infamous Unit 731 conducted extensive experiments with the mallei variant during World War II to use it as a weapon.
In recognition of their destructive power, many countries including Korea and the United States put the bacteria on a list of potential biological warfare agents.
Kim and his associates also completed a genome map of another bacteria, dubbed burkholderia thailandensis, which is not toxic but is close related to the other bacteria.
``Comparing all the bacteria will give us insight into the mechanism of toxins, which lies behind a strong toxicity. We hope global scientists will carry out brisk follow-up research,'' Kim said.