Genomovar status, virulence markers and genotyping of Burkholderia cepacia complex strains isolated from Brazilian cystic fibrosis patients.

Burkholderia cepacia complex isolates obtained by microbiological culture of respiratory samples from Brazilian CF patients were studied by recA based PCR, screened by specific PCR for virulence markers and genotyped by RAPD. Forty-one isolates of B. cepacia complex were identified by culture and confirmation of identity and genomovar determination obtained in 32 isolates, with predominance of B.

The combination of PCR and serology increases the diagnosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization/infection in cystic fibrosis.

Background: Early diagnosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization/infection in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) using microbiological culturing methods may be difficult. Serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may be useful techniques for early detection of P. aeruginosa in children with CF.