[Pseudomonas pseudomallei and Pseudomonas mallei--capsule-forming bacteria].

The specific features of the submicroscopic structure of the causative agents of melioidosis and glanders, grown in culture media and at the initial stages of experimental infection in guinea pigs and golden hamsters, were studied with the use of electronic cytochemistry and immunocytochemistry. P. pseudomallei and P. mallei were found to be capsule-forming bacteria. According to the data obtained with the use of electronic cytochemistry, the basis of the capsular substance P. pseudomallei and P. mallei is formed by polysaccharide biopolymers protecting these bacteria from phagocytosis.