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. 1995 Apr;33(4):1001–1004. doi: 10.1128/jcm.33.4.1001-1004.1995

Burkholderia cepacia and cystic fibrosis: do natural environments present a potential hazard?

S L Butler 1, C J Doherty 1, J E Hughes 1, J W Nelson 1, J R Govan 1
PMCID: PMC228085  PMID: 7540623

Abstract

An environmental survey of 55 sites yielded only 12 Burkholderia cepacia isolates, none of which displayed the phenotypic properties of a multiresistant epidemic strain associated with pulmonary colonization in patients with cystic fibrosis. Although the environment probably poses a low risk for patients with cystic fibrosis as a source of B. cepacia, the pathogenic potential of individual environmental strains remains unclear. We advise caution in the development of B. cepacia as a biocontrol agent.

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Selected References

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