Pseudomonas cepacia

Pseudomonas cepacia, now known as Burkholderia cepacia, is a Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacteria that is found in various environments, including soil, water, and plants. It is part of the Burkholderia cepacia complex, a group of closely related bacterial species that are known for their ability to degrade a wide range of organic compounds and for their resistance to most antibiotics.

Taxonomy

The bacterium was originally classified in the genus Pseudomonas, but was later reclassified into the new genus Burkholderia due to significant differences in phenotypic characteristics and genetic composition. The Burkholderia cepacia complex consists of at least 20 different genomovars or species, including B. multivorans, B. cenocepacia, and B. dolosa.

Pathogenicity

Burkholderia cepacia is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause serious lung infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis or chronic granulomatous disease. It is also associated with infections in immunocompromised individuals and can cause bacteremia, urinary tract infections, and other types of nosocomial infections. The bacterium is resistant to many common antibiotics, which makes infections difficult to treat.

Epidemiology

Burkholderia cepacia is widespread in the environment and can be isolated from soil, water, and plants. It is also found in hospital environments and can be transmitted through contaminated medical devices or solutions. The bacterium can spread from person to person, particularly among individuals with cystic fibrosis.

Treatment

Treatment of Burkholderia cepacia infections is challenging due to the bacterium's intrinsic resistance to many antibiotics. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is often used to guide therapy. Combination therapy with two or more antibiotics is usually recommended.

See also

• Burkholderia
• Cystic fibrosis
• Nosocomial infection
• Opportunistic infection