Argentina

Overcoming the knowledge gap between Burkholderia cepacia complex-related infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients from North America and Argentina

Infections caused by the group of bacteria known as the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are devastating, correlating with serious lung deterioration and fatalities. In North America, the prevalent strains, B. cenocepacia and B. multivorans, are extensively described and infection control strategies are well established. In Argentina a different species, B. contaminans, is predominant, with very little information known about the virulence and potential threat of these infections.

This informational gap translates to both poor infection control strategies and a lack of patient education. Our goal is to reduce the knowledge gap between the North American and Argentinian Bcc infections by sharing expertise in microbial genomics and genetic tools with an Argentinian CF research group, and by designing and implementing an online educational tool in Spanish for support of the CF community. The expected outcome is to translate the knowledge produced into infection control policies and patient care, bringing hope to Argentinian CF patients and their families.