Burkholderia cepacia

Burkholderia cepacia,

formerly Pseudomonas cepacia. A group of bacteria found in the environment that are often resistant to common antibiotics. Immunocompromised persons or those with chronic lung disease, especially cystic fibrosis, are susceptible to infection. In patients without cystic fibrosis, B. cepacia infections are almost all nosocomial or related to IV drug abuse. Outbreaks have been related to intra-aortic balloon pumps, contaminated water sources, respiratory therapy equipment such as reusable electronic ventilator probes or contaminated disinfectants. A variety of approaches including strict segregation of cystic fibrosis patients based on the presence of this organism have been tried in order to reduce nosocomial transmission. Even a single significant nosocomial infection with B. cepacia may warrant investigation.

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Burkholderia cepacia

Pseudomonas cepacia Bacteriology A bacterium found in the environment–eg, plants, water, soil, and in hospital environment, which may colonize the respiratory tract of Pts with cystic fibrosis; transmitted by direct physical contact from contaminated environmental sources, fluids and medical devices and, by aerosol, person-to-person Clinical May cause life-threatening URIs in Pts with cystic fibrosis, chronic granulomatous disease; also associated with UTIs and may infect sterile body sites