Nosocomial Burkholderia cepacia infection and colonization associated with intrinsically contaminated mouthwash--Arizona, 1998.

During August 1996-June 1998, 74 patients at two hospitals in Arizona had cultures positive for Burkholderia cepacia. Most isolates were from the respiratory tracts of patients in intensive-care units (ICUs). Because of the large number of B. cepacia isolates, personnel at both hospitals requested the Arizona Department of Health Services assist in an investigation. This report summarizes the results of the investigation.