Risk factors for Burkholderia cepacia complex colonization and infection among patients with cystic fibrosis

J Pediatr. 2002 Oct;141(4):512-7. doi: 10.1067/mpd.2002.127665.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine risk factors for acquiring Burkholderia cepacia complex among patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Study design: A case-control study was conducted with active surveillance for B cepacia complex colonization/infection among patients at 21 CF centers from April 1986 to March 1989 (study period). A case-patient was defined as any CF patient with B cepacia complex colonization for the first time during the study period. Control patients were patients with CF not B cepacia complex colonized during the study period. For each patient, a questionnaire was completed semiannually.

Results: In multivariate analyses, hospitalization for pulmonary exacerbations, living with a B cepacia complex-positive person, attending a CF summer camp, and direct contact with a B cepacia complex-colonized CF person outside of camp and home were associated with B cepacia complex acquisition. Receiving antimicrobial aerosol therapy or cleaning and drying a home-used nebulizer between uses were associated with a decrease in B cepacia complex acquisition.

Conclusions: Numerous factors inside and outside the health care setting are associated with person-to-person transmission of B cepacia complex among patients with CF. Prevention programs should reduce direct or indirect contact between noncolonized and B cepacia complex-colonized/infected patients with CF.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Burkholderia Infections / drug therapy
  • Burkholderia Infections / epidemiology*
  • Burkholderia Infections / etiology
  • Burkholderia cepacia*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cystic Fibrosis / drug therapy
  • Cystic Fibrosis / epidemiology
  • Cystic Fibrosis / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • North America / epidemiology
  • Odds Ratio
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index