Abstract
BackgroundCystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited multi-system disorder characterised by chronic airway infection with pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Acquisition of P. aeruginosa by patients with CF is usually from the environment, but recent studies have demonstrated patient to patient transmission of certain epidemic strains, possibly via an airborne route. This study was designed to examine the survival of P. aeruginosa within artificially generated aerosols.ResultsSurvival was effected by the solution used for aerosol generation. Within the aerosols it was adversely affected by an increase in air temperature. Both epidemic and non-epidemic strains of P. aeruginosa were able to survive within the aerosols, but strains expressing a mucoid phenotype had a survival advantage.ConclusionThis would suggest that segregating individuals free of P. aeruginosa from those with chronic P. aeruginosa infection who are more likely to be infected with mucoid strains may help reduce the risk of cross-infection. Environmental factors also appear to influence bacterial survival. Warming and drying the air within clinical areas and avoidance of humidification devices may also be beneficial in reducing the risk of cross-infection.
Highlights
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited multi-system disorder characterised by chronic airway infection with pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Acquisition of P. aeruginosa by patients with CF is usually from the environment, but recent studies have demonstrated patient to patient transmission of certain epidemic strains, possibly via an airborne route
There was no significant difference between the concentration of viable P. aeruginosa (NCIMB 10848) in the aerosols generated using 1/4 × Ringers and 1/2 × Ringers (p = 0.0705), or 1 × Ringers (p = 0.5198), or 2 × Ringers (p = 0.055)
Generation of aerosols using hypotonic solutions resulted in a significant reduction in the concentration of viable P. aeruginosa (NCIMB 10848) isolated from the aerosols compared to the use of isotonic Ringer's solution (Distilled water v 1/4 × Ringers = 0.0276; 1/8 × Ringers v 1/4 × Ringers p = 0.0282)
Summary
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited multi-system disorder characterised by chronic airway infection with pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Acquisition of P. aeruginosa by patients with CF is usually from the environment, but recent studies have demonstrated patient to patient transmission of certain epidemic strains, possibly via an airborne route. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited multi-system disorder characterised by chronic airway infection with pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Lack of CFTR function results in reduced fluid secretion and excessive fluid absorption, with a net effect of producing a thickening of the mucous component of the airway surface liquid This causes plugging of the sub-mucosal glands and impairment of mucociliary clearance leading to infection, inflammation, and tissue damage resulting in bron-. Classified as an aerobic organism P. aeruginosa is a facultative anaerobe which may allow it to survive within the relatively hypoxic lungs of patients with CF. It is ubiquitous within the environment and is isolated from moist areas such as soil and water. The isolation of P. aeruginosa from tap water follows contamination of the taps rather than the mains water supply [4]
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