173 Upper respiratory tract colonization in infants with cystic fibrosis diagnosed by newborn screening

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis, is characterised by production of abnormally thick and viscous mucus. It results in disturbances of mucociliary clearance, a basic defensive mechanism of the respiratory system, leading to increased susceptibility to recurrent and chronic respiratory infections in over 90% of patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate nasopharyngeal cavity colonization in infants with cystic fibrosis diagnosed by newborn screening. Material and Methods: Nasal and pharyngeal swabs were obtained from 26 infants aged 10−20 weeks, without any signs of infections, who were examined in the Cystic Fibrosis Outpatient Clinic. Isolates were identified by means of routine diagnostic methods. Results: Negative nasal swabs were obtained in 10 (40%) infants, negative pharyngeal swabs − in 6 (23%), and in 4 patients both nasal and pharyngeal swabs were negative. In the nasal swabs the most frequently observed growths were: Staphylococcus aureus MSSA(+) in 9 (34.5%), Corynebacterium sp. in 6 (23.5%), and b-lactamase(+) Moraxella catarrhalis in 2 (8%). Pharyngeal swabs revealed a-hemolytic Streptococcus in 20 (80%), Staphylococcus aureus MRSA(+) in 7 (27%), Neisseria sp. in 4 (15%), Escherichia coli ESBL(−) and Candida albicans in 3 (11.5%) examined infants. Conclusion: Nasopharyngeal cavity colonization by pathogenic bacteria in infants suffering from cystic fibrosis occurs during the first months of life, in the absence of noticeable signs of upper respiratory infection.