MRSA and Pulmonary Function in CF

In a large cohort analysis, pulmonary function declined 43% faster in CF patients with persistent MRSA respiratory infections than in those with no MRSA infections.

The median survival of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) now exceeds 36 years. With longer survival and improved diagnostics, pulmonary infections with new and more-resistant pathogens, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are being identified with increased frequency. But what is the effect of MRSA infection on lung function in patients with CF?

To explore this question, researchers in Baltimore analyzed the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation patient registry for 1996 through 2005. In this registry, patients’ MRSA status (determined from cultures of respiratory tract samples) was recorded every 3 months. During an average follow-up of 5.3 years, 3435 patients in the 17,357-person study cohort developed new MRSA infections. P…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

MRSA and Pulmonary Function in CF

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Reviewing Author