Pathogens
Burkholderia cepacia

Burkholderia cepacia

Susceptibilities

General Information

Gram negative bacilli with potential for multi-drug resistance; optimal therapy is unknown and antimicrobial therapy should be based on results of susceptibility testing.

This pathogen is ubiquitously found in the environment but can cause infection in immunocompromised hosts and is associated with healthcare-associated infections, including pneumonia and bacteremia. Of note, Burkholderia cepacia is also an important pulmonary pathogen in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

This pathogen is ubiquitously found in the environment but can cause infection in immunocompromised hosts and is associated with healthcare-associated infections, including pneumonia and bacteremia. Of note, Burkholderia cepacia is also an important pulmonary pathogen in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

Infectious Diseases consultation is strongly recommended to assist with provision of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Antimicrobial therapy should be guided by susceptibility testing whenever possible.

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