Do Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains Spread Between CF Patients?

A common, transmissible strain of P. aeruginosa was found in 15% of cystic fibrosis patients in Canada and was associated with a worse prognosis than unique strains.

Clinical outcomes are highly variable among patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) who acquire Pseudomonas aeruginosa; some patients remain stable for long durations, while others deteriorate rapidly. Although the reason for this variability is unknown, it could be related to differences among infecting strains of P. aeruginosa. Researchers in Australia and the U.K. previously identified specific strains that spread between patients and were potentially associated with more-severe disease. Now, investigators have evaluated the prevalence and incidence of infection with transmissible strains among 446 adult patients at seven CF clinics in Ontario, Canada.

At baseline, 320 patients were found to be colonized with P. aeruginosa. Molecular typing re…

Reviewing Author

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Do Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains Spread Between CF Patients?

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Reviewing Author