Burkholderia cepacia Clinical Presentation

Updated: Mar 15, 2023
  • Author: Sara Ahmed, MBBS, MRCP(UK), FCPS; Chief Editor: Michael Stuart Bronze, MD  more...
  • Print
Presentation

History

A history of the use of irrigant solutions that may have contained B cepacia is epidemiologically important.

Next:

Physical

Physical examination is referable to the organ system involved.

Previous
Next:

Causes

B cepacia is a nonfermentative, aerobic, gram-negative bacillus formerly classified as Pseudomonas. Unlike Pseudomonas aeruginosa, B cepacia is an organism of low virulence with a limited ability to cause infection in humans.

B cepacia survives and multiplies in aqueous hospital environments, where it may persist for long periods. [3]

Sources of B cepacia colonization include the following:

  • Personnel - Hands, antiseptic soaps, hand lotion [4]

  • Respiratory equipment and/or fluids - Respirator tubing condensate, ultrasonic nebulizers, inhalation medications

  • Intravenous lines and/or fluids - Intravenous solutions, central venous catheters

  • Pressure-monitoring devices - Pressure transducer fluids

  • Urine and/or fluids - Indwelling urinary catheters, urometers, irrigation solutions

Previous
Next:

Complications

Because B cepacia is normally a colonizer, no complications are expected.

Previous