Which organism is the second most common cause of respiratory infection among cystic fibrosis patients?

Which organism is the second most common cause of respiratory infection among cystic fibrosis patients?

• A. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• B. Staphylococcus aureus
• C. Burkholderia cepacia
• D. Haemophilus influenzae

Answer: (C)

In cystic fibrosis lung infections, the most common pathogen is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which establishes chronic colonization in many patients. Burkholderia cepacia complex stands out as the second most significant pathogen in many CF cohorts because, although less frequent, it brings major clinical challenges: it is often highly resistant to multiple antibiotics, can cause rapid clinical deterioration, and poses a risk of cross-infection between patients in healthcare settings. These factors make it the next most important organism to recognize after Pseudomonas aeruginosa. While Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae are also common, Burkholderia cepacia’s impact on prognosis and infection control explains its prominence as the second most common respiratory pathogen in this context.

In cystic fibrosis lung infections, the most common pathogen is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which establishes chronic colonization in many patients. Burkholderia cepacia complex stands out as the second most significant pathogen in many CF cohorts because, although less frequent, it brings major clinical challenges: it is often highly resistant to multiple antibiotics, can cause rapid clinical deterioration, and poses a risk of cross-infection between patients in healthcare settings. These factors make it the next most important organism to recognize after Pseudomonas aeruginosa. While Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae are also common, Burkholderia cepacia’s impact on prognosis and infection control explains its prominence as the second most common respiratory pathogen in this context.