Abstract
Although survival of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) has been continuously improving
for the past 40 years, respiratory failure secondary to recurrent pulmonary infections
remains the leading cause of mortality in this patient population. Certain pathogens
such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and species of the Burkholderia cepacia complex continue to be associated with poorer clinical outcomes including accelerated
lung function decline and increased mortality. In addition, other organisms such as
anaerobes, viruses, and fungi are increasingly recognized as potential contributors
to disease progression. Culture-independent molecular methods are also being used
for diagnostic purposes and to examine the interaction of microorganisms in the CF
airway. Given the importance of CF airway infections, ongoing initiatives to promote
understanding of the epidemiology, clinical course, and treatment options for these
infections are needed.
Keywords
cystic fibrosis - microbiology - bacteria - fungi - viruses - microbiome
