Combination Therapy Proving Successful Against B. Cepacia Infections

Burkholderia cepacia, or B. cepacia, is a bacterial infection that is most commonly associated with patients who suffer from cystic fibrosis. However, the bacterial infection can be contracted in a number of other ways, including ingestion of contaminated products.

UPDATE: B. Cepacia infectionsconnected to contaminated Rugby brands including Diocto stool softener.

Several studies have been underway to try to determine effective treatments for B. cepacia because it proves to be antibiotic resistant for most patients. The mortality rates of those suffering from B. cepacia are as high as 36% in some cases, even when cystic fibrosis is not present. The pre-existence of a condition, such as an immune condition, makes people more susceptible to the infection, and their condition can make it even more difficult to treat.

As stated by a specialist Houston medical malpractice lawyer, one study has found that giving patients Synspira’s SNSP113 to patients who suffer from B. cepacia can have a greater chance of recovery, especially in patients who suffer from cystic fibrosis as well.

Because cystic fibrosis puts people at more risk for death, studies have been trying to find agents that can activity target the bacteria to improve the patient’s chances of survival as well as recovery. SNSP113 works by breaking up proteins that are present on the surface of the B. cepacia bacteria, and this causes the bacteria to become more susceptible to the effects of the antibiotics. The research has shown that this technique, along with other traditional forms of treatment, is showing promise for a greater chance of success.

These findings could prove helpful for patients who may have recently contracted B. cepacia from a contaminated stool softening product manufactured by PharamTech and distributed by Rugby Laboratories and several other retail distributors. The second recall in almost a year, PharmaTech had to pull all of its liquid products from shelves due to water contamination that has infected over 60 people in 8 states. The FDA is working with the manufacturer to determine how to proceed, but people are encouraged to check their products at home to determine if they are from PharmaTech before using them again.

While people who are relatively healthy are more capable of fighting off the infection brought on by contaminated product use, people who suffer from pre-existing conditions such as cystic fibrosis are more at risk for serious infection and even death.

Studies like the ones conducted by Synspira give hope to those suffering from cystic fibrosis, but the applications of such findings spread beyond their initial use and could help during times of outbreak due to contamination, like the one that is being experienced in the United States right now. Because everyone is different and responds differently to treatment, keeping a handle on the outbreak is the first step in preventing it from getting worse. Recalls, standards, and reporting all help to contribute to the reduction of these outbreaks and can leave health professionals to their work instead of trying to figure out how to fix poor quality assurance standards in the manufacturing industry.

Burkholderia Cepacia Infections are Serious and Can be Life Threatening

It’s unacceptable for a pharmaceutical company to have not one, but two recalls of their products due to contamination of dangerous bacteria. If you’ve been injured by this contamination, our lawyers specializing in medical injuries in Houston, TX will help you create a case. The Hastings Law Firm is interviewing potential cases involving Diocto injuries across all 50 states. There are currently over 60 cases of infectious outbreaks linked to Diocto and related products. If you or a loved one has contracted a B. Cepacia bacterial infection from exposure to tainted medicines contact our attorneys immediately.