Decoding Burkholderia Cepacia complex: recA-based species differentiation and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) comprises more than twenty-four species of Gram-negative bacteria that are known to cause infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised patients. While BCC is most commonly associated with respiratory infections in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), it can also lead to a range of infections in individuals without CF. The goal of the current study was to molecularly identify and characterize Bcc species responsible for infections in hospitalised and non-hospitalised patients in Erbil province, using PCR to amplify and sequence the recA gene of the Bcc. This study explored the prevalence, species distribution, and antibiotic resistance patterns of Bcc isolates. Out of the 101 clinical samples, including urine, tissue, sputum and burn and wound, collected during the period extended from September 2024 to February 2025, 20 isolates (19.8%) were identified as Bcc. Through sequencing of the recA gene, four species from the Bcc group have been identified: B. cenocepacia, B. cepacia, B. contaminans, and B. anthina. Among these, B. cenocepacia stands out as the most prevalent, making up 75% of the cases. The infections were more frequently observed in males aged 40–60 years, mainly affecting the urinary tract (60%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed a high resistance to ceftazidime (95%) and moderate resistance to fluoroquinolones. However, meropenem, cotrimoxazole, and doxycycline proved to be the most effective treatments. These results highlight the significant clinical challenges posed by Bcc infections, particularly in clinical samples of non-cystic fibrosis patients, and emphasize the need for better diagnostic methods and treatment options.