Bacteria of the Burkholderia cepacia complex can result in serious respiratory tract infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). A patient with cystic fibrosis may acquire the bacteria through a number of environmental contacts.
Risk factors which may be associated with acquiring bacteria of the B. cepacia complex:
(1) attending a cystic fibrosis social function (summer camp, support group)
(2) kissing or other intimate contacts
(3) prolonged car rides
(4) sibling colonized with B. cepacia complex
(5) close contact with a person colonized with B. cepacia complex
(6) sharing eating utensils
(7) being hospitalized
(8) sharing a hospital room with a patient infected with B. cepacia complex
(9) poor adherence to handwashing
(10) sharing respiratory therapy equipment
(11) using contaminated respiratory therapy equipment
(12) using a shower contaminated with B. cepacia complex
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