A patient exhibiting 'glanders-like' symptoms after open wounds is most likely infected with which organism?

The presence of 'glanders-like' symptoms is closely associated with Burkholderia mallei, the causative agent of glanders disease. This condition is characterized by systemic infection, which can present with significant respiratory problems and ulcerative lesions, primarily in human cases that arise from exposure to infected animals or contaminated materials.

Burkholderia mallei is known for its ability to cause acute illness and its high potential for bioterrorism, which makes it particularly noteworthy in differential diagnoses when patients exhibit similar symptoms. This bacterium is specifically associated with the symptomatology similar to glanders, which is why it is the most likely organism to be identified in this patient scenario.

The other organisms listed do exhibit certain pathogenic characteristics but do not typically produce 'glanders-like' symptoms as seen with Burkholderia mallei. For instance, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas stutzeri are more common environmental pathogens, associated with opportunistic infections rather than glanders-like symptoms. Burkholderia pseudomallei, which causes melioidosis, can have similar clinical features but is distinct from glanders due to different epidemiology and pathogenic mechanisms. Thus, Burkholderia mallei remains the most accurate