Topics in Clinical Microbiology: Pseudomonas cepacia

Abstract

Pseudomonas cepacia was first reported in the literature by Burkholder as a phytopathogen responsible for sour skin, a disease of onion bulbs. Similar bacteria were isolated from other sources and given various names including Pseudomonas multivorans, Pseudomonas kingii, and EO-1. The synonymy of these organisms with P. cepacia was eventually established. The first descriptions of human disease due to Pseudomonas cepacia were two reports of infective endocarditis. Subsequently, a series of postoperative urinary tract infections secondary to contaminated disinfectant solution were reported and P. cepacia became identified as a cause of nosocomial infection. P. cepacia has demonstrated a low level of virulence and invasiveness in the general population, but it has been shown to cause severe infection in patients with underlying diseases. Moreover, its nutritional versatility and ability to survive in antiseptic solutions make it a superb agent for causing hospital-acquired infection.