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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Total Protein Extraction and 2-D Gel Electrophoresis Methods for Burkholderia Species
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Investigation of a pseudo-outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia complex caused by contaminated phosphate-buffered saline

Anne Stone1, Dawn Nolt2, Rabeka Ali3

  • 1Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Portland, OR.

American Journal of Infection Control
|January 11, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Improper lab processes caused a Burkholderia contaminans pseudo-outbreak. Contamination originated from phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) used in specimen processing, highlighting the need for strict laboratory protocols.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Infection Prevention and Control
  • Genomic Epidemiology

Background:

  • Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) causes healthcare-associated infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF).
  • A pseudo-outbreak of Burkholderia contaminans was identified, linked to laboratory procedures impacting surgical and respiratory specimens.
  • The investigation focused on immunocompetent individuals and PwCF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cause of an increased incidence of Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) isolates.
  • To identify the source of contamination in laboratory processes.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of surveillance and genomic tools in outbreak investigations.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized electronic clinical surveillance, environmental sampling, and laboratory process review.
  • Performed species identification and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) typing.
  • Conducted whole genome sequencing (WGS) for clonality analysis.

Main Results:

  • Nineteen Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) isolates were identified, including isolates from reagents.
  • Burkholderia contaminans was recovered from phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and Sputolysin, used in specimen processing.
  • Genomic analysis confirmed clonality, identifying PBS as the source of extrinsic contamination.

Conclusions:

  • Multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial for effective infection prevention and control.
  • Robust electronic health information systems aid in timely detection and intervention.
  • Microbial genomic tools are essential for identifying outbreak sources and ensuring patient safety.
Keywords:
Cystic fibrosisWhole genome sequencing

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