CDC Alert: Healthcare-associated Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia) infections

CDC is alerting healthcare officials, particularly pediatric care clinicians that the Agency is working with FDA and health departments to investigate clusters of healthcare-associated Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia) infections. CDC has received multiple reports of infection clusters, mostly involving patients without cystic fibrosis who are being treated in pediatric intensive care units. Some isolates from at least two states have matching strain types, suggesting a potential common source. Additional isolates from other states are being tested.

B. cepacia is a complex of bacteria that can be found in soil and water and are often resistant to common antibiotics. The bacteria pose little risk to healthy people. However, people who have certain health problems such as weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis, are more susceptible to these bacteria. B. cepacia is a known cause of infections in hospitalized patients.

At this time, CDC requests that healthcare professionals watch for B. cepacia infections, particularly among pediatric intensive care unit patients, and report clusters directly to CDC by contacting Matthew Crist (cwu0@cdc.gov) in the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion. You can also report to your local or state health department.

For additional information on B. cepacia please visit http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/organisms/bCepacia.html