Bacterial pulmonary colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients

Abstract

Introduction : Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-limiting autosomal recessive condition in Caucasians. Lung damage is the main determinant of morbidity and mortality. The most important factor for chronic lung infection is the colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Aim : Understanding the nature of the infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its factors of virulence and compiling statistics on age-related bacterial pulmonary colonization in patients with cystic fibrosis in Expert Center-Varna. Methods : Review of the medical literature and microbiological examination (sputum specimen, oropharyngeal swabs, BAL) of patients with cystic fibrosis at the Expert Center-Varna. Results : With increasing age of the patient with cystic fibrosis there has also been an increase in the rate of pulmonary colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa - up to 85% in patients over 18 years of age. Conclusion : Pseudomonas aeruginosa is largely responsible for morbidity and mortality in chronically infected cystic fibrosis patients. Therefore, prevention and early diagnosis are vital to the prognosis of these patients.