Burkholderia cepacia
Burkholderia cepacia is a catalase-producing, motile, Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium of the genus burkholderia. In addition to burkholderia cepacia, the burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) includes other bacteria species, such as burkholderia cenocepacia, burkholderia dolosa, and burkholderia multivorans. Burkholderia belong to the group of non-fermenting bacteria (non-fermenters).
Burkholderia cepacia causes nosocomial infections, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems. Patients with cystic fibrosis (mucoviscidosis), a hereditary metabolic disorder in which the glands produce bodily fluids that are much thicker than normal, are particularly at risk.
Burkholderia cepacia can cause the following disease patterns, among others:
Respiratory infections
Wound infections
Urinary tract infections
Burkholderia cepacia is ubiquitous and is found particularly in soil, water, and in plants. The bacterium is a biofilm former.
Relevance of pathogen in transmission in endoscopy
Gastroenterology: Not relevant
Pulmonology: High
Ear, nose, and throat: Low
Urology: Not relevant
Relevance for endoscope surveillance
Low or moderate concern organism
Transmission route
Burkholderia cepacia is transmitted via infected droplets/in an airborne manner. The pathogen can also be spread via direct or indirect contact with contaminated people or surfaces, via contaminated food, or contaminated water.
Burkholderia cepacia can also be spread and transmitted due to inadequate water quality in healthcare facilities. The water used for final rinsing of endoscopes must therefore be microbiologically controlled, to prevent a recontamination of the endoscope.
Resistance to antibiotics
Burkholderia cepacia shows pronounced resistance to various antibiotics. For example, resistance to aminoglycosides, polymyxin B, and fluoroquinolones, have been described.
Burkholderia cepacia in Healthcare Settings, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/bcepacia.html (accessed on 08.10.2021).
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Jones AM et al. Burkholderia cepacia: current clinical issues, environmental controversies and ethical dilemmas, Eur Respir J. 2001 Feb;17(2):295-301.
Rosengarten D et al. Cluster of pseudoinfections with Burkholderia cepacia associated with a contaminated washer-disinfector in a bronchoscopy unit, Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2010; 31: 769–771.