title: Treatment of lung infection in patients with cystic fibrosis: current and future strategies.
abstract: In patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) lung damage secondary to chronic infection is the main cause of death. Treatment of lung disease to reduce the impact of infection, inflammation and subsequent lung injury is therefore of major importance. Here we discuss the present status of antibiotic therapy for the major pathogens in CF airways, including prophylaxis against infection, eradication of early infection, suppression of chronic infection, and the treatment of infective exacerbations. We outline measures to optimize maintenance treatment for infection in the light of novel antibiotic drug formulations. We discuss new developments in culture-independent microbiological diagnostic techniques and the use of tools for monitoring the success of antibiotic treatment courses. Finally, cost-effectiveness analyses for antibiotic treatment in CF patients are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 31, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany. gerd.doering@med.uni-tuebingen.de
authors.forename: Gerd
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Döring
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Flume
authors.forename: Harry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Heijerman
authors.forename: J Stuart
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Elborn
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D018410:Pneumonia, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents