Early Eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract 

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) is the predominant organism infecting the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). This organism has an armamentarium of survival mechanisms that allows it to survive in the CF airway. Since colonization and chronic infection with Pa is associated with poorer lung function and increased morbidity and mortality, therapies that can prevent infection could significantly improve the lives of patients with CF. Numerous studies have examined the effects of treatment on the eradication of Pa as a means to ameliorate disease. This article outlines the pathophysiology and clinical implication of Pa acquisition, and reviews the existing treatment regimens aimed at early eradication of Pa in patients with CF.

Abbreviations: Pa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, CF, cystic fibrosis, CFTR, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, BAL, bronchoalveolar lavage, OP, oropharyngeal, PCR, polymerase chain reaction

Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, cystic fibrosis, inhaled tobramycin, eradication therapy, colonization