Instant Access To 100,000+ Essays!

Burkholderia cepcacia (formerly Pseudomonas cepacia) is a naturally occurring, motile, non-fermentative, aerobic, gram-negative bacillus bacterium. This bacterium is commonly found in liquid reservoirs and moist environments and is a frequent colonizer of fluids utilized in the hospital ie: IV fluids, irrigation solutions etc. Being an opportunistic pathogen, Burkholderia cepcacia (B. cepcacia) is only capable of causing disease in immunocompromised individuals. Sufferers of cystic fibrosis are vulnerable to predatory infections like B. cepacia due to the accumulation of mucus in the lungs. Mechanically ventilated patients are also vulnerable to pathogens such as B. cepacia in their mouths and upper airways because of their inability to maintain the mucociliary and cough mechanisms that normally protect the lower respiratory tract. Transmission of B. cepacia is facilitated by close person