Burkholderia cepacia complex

This is a curated page. Report corrections to Microbewiki.

University of Oklahoma Study Abroad Microbiology in Arezzo, Italy[1]

Image of Burkholderia cepacia. [www.cdc.gov]

Etiology/Bacteriology

Taxonomy

| Domain = Bacteria | Phylum = Proteobacteria | Class = Betaproteobacteria | Order = Burkholderiales | Family = Burkholderiaceae | Genus = Burkholderia | species = B. cepacia

Description

Burkholderia cepacia is composed of a complex of approximately 17 closely-related species. This is often referred to as the Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) [1]. The organism was originally recognized for the distinct stench it caused in onion bulbs, known as "sour skin" disease for its vinegar-like odor [1]. FIX THIS SENTENCE-> Focus on B. cepacia within the scientific community has increased within the past 30 years because of its emergence as a human respiratory opportunistic pathogen in individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic lung disease, especially cystic fibrosis patients. This causes abscesses and bacteremia, which make up “cepacia syndrome.” In patients without cystic fibrosis, bacteremia is uncommon, but may cause sepsis [3]. Pulmonary colonization of B. cepacia can cause accelerated decline in lung funtions and cause “cepacia syndrome,” which is an untreatable, fatal, progressive pneumonic illness [2].
The organisms possess a remarkably large genetic make up with a total DNA content of more than 7 megabases and up to 3 megabase-sized replicons [1]. BCC was formerly named Pseudomonas cepacia [1] FIND MORE HERE. They pose little medical risk to healthy individuals, but weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, may have increased susceptibility. The organisms often cause infections in hospitalized patients as well [5]. Various traits distinguish BCC from other CF pathogens, such as its inherent resistance to many antibiotics, high transmissibility, and association with greater virulence. Because of these factors, management of B. cepacia complex patients is very difficult [2].

References

1 Miller, S.C.M., LiPuma, J.J., Parke, J.L. “Culture-Based and Non-Growth-Dependent Detection of the Burkholderia cepacia Complex in Soil Environments.” Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
2 Jones, A.M., Dodd, M.E., Webb, A.K. “Burkholderia cepacia: current clinical issues, environmental controversies and ethical dilemmas.” European Respiratory Journal.
3 Hua, C.N.C., Tokeshi, J. “Emergence of Burkholderia cepacia in Honolulu: A Case of Nursing Home-acquired B. cepacia sepsis. Hawai’i Journal of Medicine and Public Health.
4 Gilchrist, F.J., Webb, A.K., Bright-Thomas, R.J., Jones, A.M. “Successful treatment of cepacia syndrome with a combination of intravenous cyclosporin, antibiotics and oral corticosteroids.” European Cystic Fibrosis Soceity.
5 “Burkholderia cepacia in Healthcare Settings.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
6 Coenye, T., Vandamme, P., Govan, J.R.W., LiPuma, J.J. “Taxonomy and Identification of the Burkholderia cepacia Complex.” Journal of Clinical Microbiology.

Created by Paige Whitson
Student of Dr. Tyrrell Conway, University of Oklahoma