Which organism is commonly isolated in adult CF airway infections?

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Multiple Choice

Which organism is commonly isolated in adult CF airway infections?

In adults with cystic fibrosis, the airway infections are most characteristically dominated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The thick, sticky mucus in CF traps bacteria and impairs clearance, creating an environment where P. aeruginosa can establish long-term colonization. It often adopts a mucoid phenotype that produces alginate, forming a biofilm that shields the bacteria from antibiotics and immune defenses, leading to persistent infection and ongoing lung damage. While Staphylococcus aureus is a common early colonizer, especially in children, and Burkholderia cepacia complex can occur and is associated with more rapid decline and transmission concerns, P. aeruginosa is by far the most frequently isolated organism in adults with CF. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia can be present but is less common.

In adults with cystic fibrosis, the airway infections are most characteristically dominated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The thick, sticky mucus in CF traps bacteria and impairs clearance, creating an environment where P. aeruginosa can establish long-term colonization. It often adopts a mucoid phenotype that produces alginate, forming a biofilm that shields the bacteria from antibiotics and immune defenses, leading to persistent infection and ongoing lung damage. While Staphylococcus aureus is a common early colonizer, especially in children, and Burkholderia cepacia complex can occur and is associated with more rapid decline and transmission concerns, P. aeruginosa is by far the most frequently isolated organism in adults with CF. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia can be present but is less common.

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