What is Burkholderia cepacia complex?
Burkholderia cepacia complex (B. cepacia) consists of several species of bacteria that are found in the natural environment. Some of these species threaten the health of people with cystic fibrosis (CF). It is important to note that — in general — the species that grow in the lungs of people with CF differ from most of those found in the natural environment. However, all species of B. cepacia have been recovered from the sputum of people with CF. These bacteria were only first reported in people with CF in the 1970s. B. cepacia bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics, which makes them difficult to treat once they infect the lungs. However, some species may be successfully treated with combinations of antibiotics. Standard infection control practices reduce the risk of infection. B. cepacia poses very little medical risks to healthy people. However, some people who have a serious illness (e.g., cancer, AIDS) may be at risk of an infection with this germ.
