Application
Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC), is a group of lactose-nonfermenting, Gram-negative bacteria composed of at least 20 different species, including B. cepacia, B. multivorans, B. cenocepacia et B. contaminans. BCC species can survive for long periods and multiply in hostile environments such as antiseptic and disinfectant solutions, distilled water, whirlpool baths, nebulizers and urinary catheters. Moreover, bacteria from the BCC show multidrug resistance.
BCC is among the most important pathogens isolated from cystic fibrosis patients and in hospital acquired infections. The pathogen causes life-threatening infections in cystic fibrosis patients which is associated with pulmonary function decline. It is also a cause of fatal disease in patient with chronic granulomatous disease. Several BCC outbreaks have been described due to contaminated medications, medical products and equipments. Therefore, a rapid detection and identification of bacteria from BCC are critical point for cystic fibrosis patients, but also for various non-sterile products used in hospitals and in environment.
The slowest growing species of BCC can be missed on conventional media such as Drigalski or MacConkey Agar due to the overgrowth of other organisms. CHROMagar™ B.cepacia is a strongly selective chromogenic medium which will detect most of the bacteria from the BCC within 24 - 36h.
Intended Use
CHROMagar™ B.cepacia is a selective chromogenic culture medium that is intended for use in the qualitative direct detection, differentiation and presumptive identification of Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) bacteria colonization in cystic fibrosis patients.
The test is performed by direct, or diluted, plating of sputum, expectoration, throat swabs, tracheal aspirates or bronchoalveolar lavages.
CHROMagar™ B.cepacia results can be interpreted after 36-72 h of aerobic incubation at 35-37 °C. A lack of growth or the absence of colonies on CHROMagar™ B.cepacia does not preclude the presence of BCC bacteria.
CHROMagar™ B.cepacia is not intended to diagnose infection nor to guide nor to monitor treatment for infections. Further identification, susceptibility testing and epidemiological typing is needed on suspect colonies.
The test has to be used in parallel of usual cultures antibiotic performed in cystic fibrosis patients.
CHROMagar™ B.cepacia can also be used in the qualitative and/or quantitative determination of BCC bacteria in the analyses of non-sterile, water-based pharmaceutical products, such as cream or sirup, in accordance with USP <60>. In this case, CHROMagar™ B.cepacia results can be interpreted after 36-72 h of aerobic incubation at 30-35 °C.