Case report of a potential association between Burkholderia cepacia and preterm delivery of a twin pregnancy following in vitro fertilization

Vaginal colonization of Burkholderia cepacia was identified as a potentially complicating factor during a high-risk pregnancy. Although first described as a phytopathogen and used as a bio-pesticide, Burkholderia cepacia, an aerobic, glucose non-fermenting, multidrug-resistant Gram-negative rod, has emerged as a significant opportunistic pathogen causing severe pulmonary infections, mostly in patients who have cystic fibrosis and are immunocompromised [1]. Owing to its ability to survive and proliferate in nutrient-poor liquids and moist environments, hospital outbreaks have been associated with contaminated intravenous solutions, disinfectants, hospital equipment, and person-to-person contact [1,2]. This micro-organism has been isolated in vaginal cultures after using disinfectant solutions contaminated with B. cepacia for vaginal examination [2]. More importantly, even in the absence of predisposing factors, it has been recognized as a significant cause of neonatal sepsis [3]. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.