Burkholderia cepacia complex

Gram Stain

• Gram negative straight/slightly curved bacilli - nonfermenter (aerobic)

Clinical Significance

These organisms are widely distributed in nature and are typically considered plant pathogens.

They are pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic granulomatous disease.

They have been associated with nosocomial infections (organisms can survive in water and disinfectant solutions) and opportunistic infections in immunocompromised/debilitated individuals.

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

These organisms exhibit resistance to multiple antibiotics and disinfectants. They are resistant to aminoglycosides, ciprofloxacin, colistin, fosfomycin, trimethoprim, and many beta-lactams.

They tend to remain susceptible to anti-pseudomonal beta-lactam agents (piperacillin-tazobactam, ceftazidime, and meropenem) but are intrinsically resistant to imipenem and ertapenem.

Susceptibility to TMP/SMX and levofloxacin is variable.