Pseudomonal infection in cystic fibrosis: the battle continues

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis. Infection usually begins in childhood and is responsible for respiratory failure and death in most patients with cystic fibrosis. The organism triggers an exuberant chronic inflammatory reaction which damages the airways and leads to progressive loss of lung function. Over the last decade significant advances have been made in the understanding of the pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis airways disease. These should assist the development of new and better therapies to treat this pathogen. This review provides an overview of pseudomonal infection in cystic fibrosis, including mechanisms by which the bacteria may colonize the cystic fibrosis airway, persistence of pseudomonal infection and the biofilm mode of growth. Available treatments and possible novel approaches to therapy will be discussed.