Eradication of early Pseudomonas infection in cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Chronic infection with the environmental bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is associated with greater morbidity and mortality for people with cystic fibrosis. Strict infection control measures including segregation appear to reduce but not eliminate the risk of initial acquisition of the organism. There is now good evidence from randomized controlled trials that early eradication regimens consisting of anti-pseudomonal antibiotics are effective in clearing P. aeruginosa and delaying the development of chronic infection in the majority of subjects. These regimens are safe and cost-effective. Ensuring that such regimens are widely adopted is therefore of considerable importance to improving outcomes for people with cystic fibrosis. The most effective antibiotic regimen, and the effects of new nebulizer technologies and methods to improve concordance remain to be determined.