While the infection is most often symptom-free, it can turn serious, and even life-threatening.
In the past, we used to believe that the strains ofB.
cepaciafound in the environment were not the same as those found in people.
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B. cepaciararely affects people with healthy immune systems.B.
cepaciainfection is not common even in those with cystic fibrosis.
The good news is thatB.
cepaciaoccurs much less frequently than other organisms responsible for infections in people with CF.
The bad news is that, when it does occur, it can often be difficult to treat.
While it is possible forB.
If infected with any strain ofB.
cepacia, you should avoid close contact with other susceptible people.
This includes the sharing of hospital rooms or being around individuals who are immune-compromised or have CF.
If transmitted indirectly,B.
Symptoms
The symptoms ofB.
cepaciais to culture the sputum (a mixture of mucus and saliva coughed up from the respiratory tract).
A culture will confirm ifB.
cepaciais present and, if so, which strain or strains you are dealing with.
Treatment
If you have CF and are infected withB.
If there are symptoms, things get a bit trickier.B.
cepaciais highly resistant to most antibiotics and often requires combination therapy to eradicate the bacteria.
Patients should be aware that too-frequent usage of antibiotics can ultimately lead to greater resistance.
