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. 1998 May;9(3):177-82.
doi: 10.1155/1998/269157.

Transmissibility and infection control implications of Burkholderia cepacia in cystic fibrosis

S K Fung  1 , H Dick, H Devlin, E Tullis
Affiliations

Transmissibility and infection control implications of Burkholderia cepacia in cystic fibrosis

S K Fung et al. Can J Infect Dis. 1998 May.

Abstract
in English, French

Objective: To describe the microbiology and potential virulence factors of Burkholderia cepacia; to discuss the studies that have investigated its mode of transmission among cystic fibrosis patients; and to identify the major risk factors associated with acquisition of this pathogen inside and outside of the hospital environment.

Data sources: MEDLINE search of the literature published between 1986 and 1997 using the key words/subject words Pseudomonas cepacia, Burkholderia cepacia, cystic fibrosis, infection control and transmissibility, and the bibliography of selected papers.

Data extraction: Selected studies examining epidemiology, microbiology, virulence factors and mode of transmission of B cepacia in cystic fibrosis.

Data synthesis and conclusions: B cepacia is a multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacillus that has recently been recognized as a major respiratory pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis. Colonization by this organism can lead to rapid pulmonary deterioration and premature death. Recent studies based on genomic subtyping techniques have suggested that it can be transmitted from person to person. Close social contact and hospitalization have been identified as risk factors for cross-infection. With the implementation of strict infection control policies such as segregation according to colonization status, the rate of new colonization has substantially decreased in most cystic fibrosis treatment centres.

OBJECTIF :: Décrire la microbiologie et les facteurs potentiels de virulence de Burkholderia cepacia ; examiner les études portant sur son mode de transmission parmi les patients atteints de fibrose kystique ; et identifier les facteurs de risque majeur associés à une contamination par ce pathogène en milieu hospitalier ou extrahospitalier.

SOURCES DES DONNÉES :: Recherche dans Medline des articles publiés entre 1986 et 1997 en utilisant les mots clés/mots sujets Pseudomonas cepacia, Burkholderia cepacia, fibrose kystique, contrôle de l’infection et transmissibilité, et la bibliographie d’articles choisis.

EXTRACTION DES DONNÉES :: Études choisies examinant l’épidémiologie, la microbiologie, les facteurs de virulence et le mode de transmission de B cepacia dans la fibrose kystique.

SYNTHÈSE DES DONNÉES ET CONCLUSIONS :: B cepacia est un bacille Gram négatif résistant à l’action de plusieurs médicaments et que l’on a récemment identifié comme un des plus importants pathogènes respiratoires chez les patients atteints de fibrose kystique. Une colonisation attribuable à cet organisme peut entraîner une détérioration rapide de la fonction respiratoire et une mort prématurée. Des études récentes basées sur des techniques de sous-typage génomique laissent croire que ce bacille peut se transmettre de personne à personne. L’entourage du malade et l’hospitalisation représentent des facteurs de risque pour une infection croisée. Avec la mise en place de mesures strictes de contrôle des infections telles que la ségrégation selon l’état de colonisation, le taux des nouvelles colonisations a diminué de façon appréciable dans la plupart des centres de traitement de la fibrose kystique.

Keywords: Burkholderia cepacia; Cystic fibrosis; Infection control; Pseudomonas cepacia; Pulmonary infection; Transmissibility.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Genomic profiles of 11 randomly selected clinical isolates of Burkholderia capecia from patients attending the Wellesley Central Hospital Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic. Lane 1 is a PFGE molecular marker. Lanes 2 to 12 represent patient isolates. These isolates represent a predominant strain pattern among clinic patients
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