Clinical Spectrum of Burkholderia cepacia Infection in Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Study of an Emerging Disease

Aim: To study the epidemiology of Burkholderia cepacia infection in cancer patients.
Objectives:
•To study the patients characteristics features of Burkholderia
infections.
•To study the characteristics features of Burkholderia cepacia
infections.
•To study the pattern of antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance.
•To identify the cause of infection and reduce the risk of Hospital acquired infections.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from July 2017 to July 2018 at HCG Tertiary Cancer Hospital, Bangalore, India.

Results: Total 21 patients were diagnosed with BCC infection during the study period. Those affected were mostly Female patients (80%), admitted in medical ward for chemotherapy with mostly central lines.

In our study, the incidence of Burkholderia infection was mostly found with Blood Stream Infections (90%), mostly seen in those with central line associated blood stream infection (52%) and peripheral blood stream infection (38%). Before the incidence of infection, 11 patients (52%) had already been treated with higher antibiotics including Carbapenems. In our study, all patients (100%) could be salvaged with treatment and were discharged.

Conclusion: Burkholderia cepacia infection is one of the emerging infections in the tertiary cancer setting. Hospital Infection Control Committee’s regular surveillance program and the training of healthcare workers are vital to reduce the hospital acquired infections.