Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are susceptible to chronic respiratory infections that considerably affect their long-term prognosis. Burkholderia cepacia complex and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most severe pathogens that can cause epidemic outbreaks within a CF population. To prevent their potential spread, early and reliable diagnostics along with transmissible strain identification is required. Molecular genetic methods allow highly sensitive and specific detection of bacteria belonging to B. cepacia complex and their speciation. Furthermore, the typing techniques help identify the strains capable of transmission among patients. The Prague CF Centre has been combating the widespread infection of B. cepacia complex caused by the strain ST-32 for more than 10 years. The current drop in its incidence is a likely consequence of strict infection control, which is monitored by applying molecular microbiological tools.

        Key words: cystic fibrosis, microbiology, diagnostics, Burkholderia cepacia complex, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, epidemic strain