Cystic fibrosis. Infection and immunity to Pseudomonas.
Chronic pulmonary infection with P. aeruginosa in CF may result from: 1. An initial failure of clearance mechanisms (increased adherence) leading to the development of a highly compartmentalized inflammatory reaction; 2. Inhibition of clearing mechanisms for bacteria present in the bronchial lumen; and 3. A largely ineffective, and possibly damaging, hyperactivity of inflammatory cells in the lumen and bronchial wall. The special relationship between the CF host and P. aeruginos, always long-term, and frequently subtle in its complexity, needs further understanding in order to develop new strategies for the treatment of chronic lung infections with this organism.
Sorensen
R U
RU
Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans 70112.
Waller
R L
RL
Klinger
J D
JD
D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D011549:Pseudomonas / Q000276:immunology*; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000276:immunology*