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Survival of Burkholderia cepacia on environmental surfaces
J A Drabick1, E J Gracely, G J Heidecker
1Department of Pathology, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
Abstract:
Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) cepacia is an important pathogen amongst persons with cystic fibrosis (CF), and evidence suggests that transmission of strains within CF clinics contributes to pulmonary colonization of some patients. In order to optimize preventive strategies, the survival of B. cepacia on various environmental surfaces, including cotton cloth, stainless steel, latex and polyvinylchloride (PVC) tubing, was investigated. For surface inoculation, bacteria were suspended in phosphate buffered saline, sputum from CF patients, or sputum from persons without CF. The results demonstrate that amongst the strains examined, organisms survived significantly (P < 0.001) longer when suspended in sputum from CF patients than in either non-CF sputum or buffered saline. Significant (P < 0.001) differences in survival on the various surfaces were found; survival was greatest on PVC. Significant (P < 0.001) strain-to-strain differences in survival were also demonstrated; patient isolates representing predominant CF centre ribotypes survived longest. These data demonstrate that (1) B. cepacia can survive for long periods in respiratory droplets on environmental surfaces typically found in CF clinics, (2) undefined factors in sputum from patients with CF may contribute to survival of B. cepacia, and (3) strain-to-strain variation in survival time may affect strain transmissibility.
Insights
Burkholderia cepacia survives longer on environmental surfaces in cystic fibrosis (CF) patient sputum. This highlights potential transmission risks in CF clinics and the need for enhanced infection control measures.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Burkholderia cepacia is a significant opportunistic pathogen in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF).
- Transmission of B. cepacia strains within CF clinics is a concern for patient colonization.
- Optimizing preventive strategies requires understanding pathogen survival on environmental surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the survival of Burkholderia cepacia on common environmental surfaces found in CF clinics.
- To determine the influence of different suspension media (saline, non-CF sputum, CF sputum) on bacterial survival.
- To assess strain-specific differences in survival and their implications for transmissibility.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial survival assays were performed on cotton cloth, stainless steel, latex, and PVC tubing.
- Bacteria were suspended in phosphate buffered saline, sputum from CF patients, or sputum from non-CF individuals.
- Statistical analyses (P < 0.001) were used to evaluate differences in survival rates.
Main Results:
- B. cepacia survived significantly longer when suspended in CF patient sputum compared to non-CF sputum or saline.
- Survival rates varied significantly across different surfaces, with polyvinylchloride (PVC) showing the greatest bacterial persistence.
- Significant strain-to-strain variations in survival were observed, with predominant CF center ribotypes exhibiting enhanced longevity.
Conclusions:
- B. cepacia demonstrates prolonged survival on environmental surfaces in respiratory droplets within CF clinic settings.
- Specific factors present in CF patient sputum may enhance B. cepacia survival.
- Strain-dependent survival capabilities can influence the transmissibility of B. cepacia in CF patient populations.