Pathogens
Burkholderia cepacia complex

Burkholderia cepacia complex

Precautions

Droplet / Contact Precautions

Susceptibilities

General Information

Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) is a group of catalase-producing, lactose-nonfermenting, gram-negative bacteria composed of at least 20 different species.

Ubiquitous water and soil pathogen.

Opportunistic pathogen.

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

Important pathogen in cystic fibrosis and lung transplant recipients.

Often highly resistant to multiple antibiotics.

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 B. cepacia complex is associated with an accelerated decline in pulmonary function and shortened survival in cystic fibrosis.

Lung transplantation in patients infected with B. cepacia complex often leads to recurrent and often severe infection with poor outcomes, causing most transplantation centers to consider it a strong contraindication to transplantation.

Precautions:

  1. Private room/space with appropriate signage on door (BLUE sign).
  2. Gown, surgical mask with eye protection, and gloves for all room/space entry and patient contact.
  3. Dedicated patient care equipment. If unable to dedicate, ensure shared equipment is cleaned with appropriate disinfectant following use.
  4. Notify receiving department of isolation status should patient require test/procedure off unit and if for transfer to other health care facility.
  5. Patient DOES NOT require gown/gloves when out of room. Patient must clean hands prior to leaving and upon return to room. Patient must wear a surgical mask during pandemic. Family/visitors DO NOT require gown/gloves when in room unless assisting with personal care to patient.
  6. Routine housekeeping as per protocol. Isolation clean at discharge.