Pseudomonas cepacia Typing Systems: Collaborative Study to Assess Their Potential in Epidemiologic Investigations

Authors:
  • WJWilliam R. Jarvis
    William R. Jarvis
  • RARoger L. Anderson
    Roger L. Anderson
  • JGJohn Govan
    John Govan
  • JKJeffrey Klinger
    Jeffrey Klinger
  • JLJohn LiPuma
    John LiPuma
  • WMWilliam J. Martone
    William J. Martone
  • HMH. Monteil
    H. Monteil
  • CRC. Richard
    C. Richard
  • SSShiro Shigeta
    Shiro Shigeta
  • ASAnibal Sosa
    Anibal Sosa
  • TSTerrence Stull
    Terrence Stull
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Abstract
To determine the utility of available Pseudomonas cepacia typing systems for confirming the relatedness of isolates, we applied these methods to isolates associated with previously investigated nosocomial outbreaks. We compared chromosome analysis, serologic reactions, biochemical tests, bacteriocin production and susceptibility, and antimicrobial susceptibility in their ability to determine outbreak relatedness. Chromosome analysis, serologic reactions, and biochemical tests were each demonstrated to be epidemiologically useful methods for typing isolates. Determination of the sensitivity and specificity of these typing techniques will facilitate their application in the epidemiologic study of this increasingly important nosocomial pathogen.