cenocepacia

Burkholderia cenocepacia is a species within the Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC), a group of environmental Gram-negative bacteria commonly found in soil, water, and plant material. It is distinguished from other BCC members by genetic characteristics and its capacity to cause human infections in certain settings.

In humans, B. cenocepacia is an opportunistic pathogen, most notably affecting people with cystic fibrosis and other chronic lung diseases. In CF patients, chronic colonization can be associated with accelerated lung function decline and, in some cases, cepacia syndrome—a severe, disseminated infection that includes pneumonia and septicemia.

Transmission occurs primarily through person-to-person contact and contaminated equipment. Therefore, infection control in healthcare and CF care settings emphasizes barrier precautions and screening. Colonization with B. cenocepacia may exclude patients from some lung transplantation programs due to higher post-transplant risk.

Laboratory identification typically relies on culture and biochemical testing, with confirmation by molecular methods such as MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry or genetic assays. The bacterium is oxidase positive, nonfermentative, and may form biofilms, contributing to its persistence in both environmental and clinical contexts.

Burkholderia cenocepacia is intrinsically resistant to many antibiotics, making treatment challenging. Management usually requires an individualized, multi-drug regimen guided by susceptibility testing. When active, commonly used agents include trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, certain fluoroquinolones, and beta-lactams such as ceftazidime or meropenem, often used in combination and for extended periods.

Preventive measures focus on environmental hygiene, careful device management, and early detection of colonization to reduce transmission, particularly in settings with vulnerable patients.