Ralstonia pickettii and Burkholderia cepacia complex bloodstream infections related to infusion of contaminated water for injection

Ralstonia pickettii and Burkholderia cepacia complex isolates are causes of healthcare-associated infection related to contamination of intravenously administered products. Based on microbiological and epidemiological data and molecular typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, we report the occurrence of two outbreaks of R. pickettii and B. cepacia complex bloodstream infections. The first outbreak occurred from August 1995 to September 1996, and the second outbreak occurred from 28 March to 8 April 1998, affecting adults and neonates, respectively. Infusion of contaminated water for injection was the source of infection.