Which bacterium is commonly isolated in the airways of children with cystic fibrosis?

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Multiple Choice

Which bacterium is commonly isolated in the airways of children with cystic fibrosis?

In cystic fibrosis, the pattern of airway bacteria shifts with age. In younger children, Staphylococcus aureus is the most commonly isolated organism from airway cultures. This reflects early colonization by typical skin/respiratory flora before chronic biofilm-forming pathogens become established. As children grow, Pseudomonas aeruginosa tends to colonize more frequently and often becomes the dominant, chronic infection, which is why older CF patients show higher rates of Pseudomonas. Burkholderia cepacia complex and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia are less common in kids and are usually linked to specific exposures or more severe disease. So, for children with CF, Staphylococcus aureus is the bacterium most commonly found in the airways.

In cystic fibrosis, the pattern of airway bacteria shifts with age. In younger children, Staphylococcus aureus is the most commonly isolated organism from airway cultures. This reflects early colonization by typical skin/respiratory flora before chronic biofilm-forming pathogens become established. As children grow, Pseudomonas aeruginosa tends to colonize more frequently and often becomes the dominant, chronic infection, which is why older CF patients show higher rates of Pseudomonas. Burkholderia cepacia complex and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia are less common in kids and are usually linked to specific exposures or more severe disease. So, for children with CF, Staphylococcus aureus is the bacterium most commonly found in the airways.

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