Bacteria Burkholderia sp. and its relationship with healthcare-associated infections

Abstract

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections pose a global challenge due to their high morbidity, mortality, and costs. Burkholderia sp. is a relevant hospital pathogen due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics and its ability to cause severe infections. This review addresses its microbiology, epidemiology, resistance, clinical manifestations, control, and treatment. Methodology: For this review on Burkholderia sp. and its relationship with healthcare-associated infections, original studies, reviews, meta-analyses, and case reports from peer-reviewed scientific journals were selected. The review covers epidemiology, microbiology, resistance, clinical manifestations, control, and treatment, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Scielo, and Google Scholar. Development: Burkholderia sp. is a genus of gram-negative, aerobic, and motile bacteria commonly found in soil and aquatic environments. It includes opportunistic pathogens such as the Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia pseudomallei, which cause severe infections that are resistant to multiple antibiotics in hospital settings. Their ability to form biofilms and resist disinfectants exacerbates the situation, emphasizing the need for strict control and prevention measures. Infections vary by region and risk factors, and their treatment requires combinations of antibiotics due to high resistance. New research aims to improve therapeutic options. Discussion: The literature review on Burkholderia sp. in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) highlights its significance in hospitals due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics. These infections complicate treatment and increase mortality. Rigorous control strategies, continuous staff education, and the development of new therapies are needed.