Burkholderia cepacia is the name assigned to a group of bacteria that live in soil and water. This group includes at least 17 species, and one of the most common is Burkholderia cepacia (or, B. cepacia).
These bacteria can infect human hosts, though they only cause symptoms in certain portions of the population.
What Is Burkholderia Cepacia?
B. cepacia are aerobic bacteria. This means that they need oxygen to survive. They have rod-like shapes and both long and short tendrils called flagella that help them move and cling to surfaces.
These bacteria range from 1.6 to 3.2 micrometers in size, much smaller than the width of a single human hair.
Members of the Burkholderia genus can be found in soil and water around the world. You’ve likely been exposed to these bacteria at some point in your life but may have never noticed any symptoms.
Most people aren’t susceptible to a B. cepacia infection. Some are, though, and in their cases, these bacteria often infect the lungs. This leads to a severe form of pneumonia.
Cepacia syndrome refers to the rapidly progressing, necrotizing form of pneumonia that this bacteria causes. It can cause severe lung damage in just a matter of days.
Burkholderia can similarly infect your:
- Blood
- Skin and other soft tissues
- Urinary tract
- The sites of surgical wounds or places where catheters are inserted
Who Is Most Susceptible to B. Cepacia Infections?
After you come into contact with B. cepacia, it may incubate in your body for a variable amount of time. It starts to proliferate when your body becomes a more favorable environment — for instance, if it’s weakened by another illness or treatment.
Certain subgroups of the population are also more susceptible than others to B. cepacia infection. This includes people who:
- Have long-term lung diseases — especially cystic fibrosis
- Have sickle cell anemia
- Are being treated for cancer
- Are being treated for burns
These bacteria may also infect people who are hospitalized.
How Is Burkholderia Cepacia Transmitted?
Burkholderia can be transmitted through:
- Contact with an infected person, animal, or plant — even if they don’t have any symptoms
- Contact with a contaminated surface
- Environmental exposure
It’s not an airborne pathogen, but it can be:
- Ingested or eaten
- Absorbed through a break in your skin — for instance, from the prick of a needle, a bite, or a scratch
- Absorbed through a mucous membrane — like the ones found in your eyes, nose, and mouth
Research indicates that this bacteria can only survive on dry surfaces for about a week, but it can survive in water for many months.
Since this bacteria is so common, it’s sometimes transmitted to people and patients in the form of contaminated medical products and devices. For example, in:
- 2004: Its presence in a nasal spray necessitated a recall.
- 2004: It infected intensive care unit patients because of exposure to contaminated sublingual probes.
- 2005: It was found in mouthwash that led to an outbreak of pneumonia-like symptoms.
- 2016: It contaminated liquid docusate.
What Are Burkholderia Cepacia Symptoms?
The symptoms of a B. cepacia infection vary from person to person. Most healthy individuals will never know that they were infected with this bacteria at all. For susceptible individuals, the symptoms depend on the location of the infection.
Lung infections tend to lead to problems like severe pneumonia. Common pneumonia symptoms include:
- A cough that produces colorful or bloody mucus
- Fever, chills, and heavy sweating
- A fast heart rate
- Quick, shallow breaths
- Chest pain
- Extreme fatigue
The symptoms of a B. cepacia blood infection include:
- Fever and chills
- Swelling
- Pain
- Redness
How Is a B. Cepacia Infection Diagnosed?
Various bacteria can cause lung infections and pneumonia-like symptoms. Your doctor can’t decide on the best treatment until they know exactly which bacteria is causing your symptoms.
The only way to correctly diagnose a B. cepacia infection is to find the bacteria in a sample taken from your body. For example, if your doctor suspects a blood infection, they’ll take a blood sample and test it in the lab.
What Are Burkholderia Cepacia Treatments?
B. cepacia infections need to be treated on a case-by-case basis. These bacteria are often resistant to common antibiotics, but your doctor will likely be able to find some type that will help manage your infection. Laboratory tests can help determine which antibiotics will be most effective in your case.
If your strain is exceptionally resistant, you may need to switch antibiotics in the middle of your treatment or take them for longer than normal.
How to Prevent a B. Cepacia Infection
If you’re susceptible to B. cepacia, then it’s best to take precautions to prevent an infection. Your best move is to wash your hands as often as possible. You can either use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water.
You should particularly make sure to wash your hands:
- Before you make food
- Before touching your face
- After using the restroom
- After touching any hospital equipment
Make sure to seek immediate medical attention if you are in a susceptible group and are showing any signs of pneumonia or another form of B. cepacia infection.