S10.5b Bacterial and fungal coinfections in cystic fibrosis

Abstract

S10.5 Fungal respiratory infections in Cystic Fibrosis, September 24, 2022, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PMLung infections due to Aspergillus fumigatus are in constant augmentation in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Up to 55% of CF patients show respiratory complications and exacerbated inflammation due to A. fumigatus. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is the major complication found in up to 15% of these CF patients. Moreover, up to 60% of CF patients who are already infected chronically by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are also colonized by A. fumigatus. The interactions between A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa showed a balance between inhibitory and stimulatory effects on fungal growth in mixed A. fumigatus-P. aeruginosa cultures. Moreover, the interaction between the bacteria and A. fumigatus modulates exposure to fungal patterns and the innate immune response to the pathogens. Indeed, superinfection by A. fumigatus of patients already colonized by P. aeruginosa leads to hyperinflammation. Therefore, studying the interaction between bacteria and fungus in cystic fibrosis is crucial.