Evolving epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the Burkholderia cepacia complex in cystic fibrosis lung infection.
The morbidity and mortality of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is primarily determined by chronic and debilitating lung infections caused by a surprisingly narrow spectrum of bacterial pathogens. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is by far the most prevalent life-threatening CF pathogen. In the absence of aggressive early therapy, it infects the majority of adult patients and determines long-term survival. The epidemiology of CF pulmonary infections continues to evolve. Amongst the most recent CF pathogens to have emerged are a group of closely related bacteria, known as the Burkholderia cepacia complex. These organisms are a particular challenge due to inherent antibiotic resistance, the potential for patient-to-patient spread, and the risk of 'cepacia syndrome', a rapid fulminating pneumonia sometimes accompanied by bacteremia. Strict cross-infection control was prompted by early epidemiological experience of the B. cepacia complex and is essential in the management of all CF pathogens.
University of Edinburgh, Cystic Fibrosis Group, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Edinburgh, UK. john.r.w.govan@ed.ac.uk
John R W
JR
Govan
Alan R
AR
Brown
Andrew M
AM
Jones
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019121:Burkholderia Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D042602:Burkholderia cepacia complex / Q000187:drug effects; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D006801:Humans; D009017:Morbidity; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000187:drug effects; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents