Pathogens
Burkholderia cepacia complex

Burkholderia cepacia complex

Precautions

See 'Additional Information'

Susceptibilities

General Information

Ubiquitous water and soil pathogen.

Person-to-person spread has been documented, particularly among cystic fibrosis patients.

Responsible for healthcare-associated outbreaks linked to contaminated disinfectants, medical devices, medications and medical solutions.

  • Important pathogen in cystic fibrosis and lung transplant recipients.
  • Respiratory tract infections
  • Bacteremia

Contact isolation may be required as organism is frequently multidrug resistant

Infectious Diseases consultation should be obtained for assistance with antimicrobial therapy.

Antimicrobial therapy should be guided by susceptibility testing whenever possible.

Treatment options are often limited.

Chronic infection with some species within B. cepacia complex is associated with an accelerated decline in pulmonary function and shortened survival in cystic fibrosis. Further testing of isolates is provided by Dr. LiPuma lab in Michigan.