Burkholderia cepacia, formerly Pseudomonas cepacia. A group of bacteria found in the environment that are often resistant to common antibiotics. Immunocompromised persons or those with chronic lung disease, especially cystic fibrosis, are susceptible to infection. In patients without cystic fibrosis, B. cepacia infections are almost all nosocomial or related to IV drug abuse. Outbreaks have been related to intra-aortic balloon pumps, contaminated water sources, respiratory therapy equipment such as reusable electronic ventilator probes or contaminated disinfectants. A variety of approaches including strict segregation of cystic fibrosis patients based on the presence of this organism have been tried in order to reduce nosocomial transmission. Even a single significant nosocomial infection with B. cepacia may warrant investigation.
