Polyclonal <i>Burkholderia cepacia</i> Complex Outbreak in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients Caused by Contaminated Aqueous Chlorhexidine
Sally C. Y. Wong, Shuk‐Ching Wong, Jonathan Hon-Kwan Chen, Rosana Wing‐Shan Poon, Derek L.L. Hung, Kelvin Hei‐Yeung Chiu, Simon Yung-Chun So, Wing Shan Leung, Tak Mao Chan, Desmond Y. H. Yap, Vivien Wai‐Man Chuang, Kwok‐Yung Yuen, Vincent Chi‐Chung Cheng
Abstract
Whether Burkholderia cepacia complex should be an objectionable organism in antiseptic solutions with acceptable total bacterial counts is controversial. By using next-generation sequencing, we documented a polyclonal B. cepacia complex outbreak affecting peritoneal dialysis patients in Hong Kong that was caused by contaminated chlorhexidine solutions. Epidemiologic investigations at a manufacturing site identified a semiautomated packaging machine as the probable source of contamination in some of the brands. Use of whole-genome sequencing differentiated the isolates into 3 brand-specific clonal types. Changes in exit site care recommendations, rapid recall of affected products, and tightening of regulatory control for chlorhexidine-containing skin antiseptics could prevent future similar outbreaks. Environmental opportunistic pathogens, including B. cepacia complex, might be included in regular surveillance as indicator organisms for monitoring environmental contamination.