The Approach to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

There is a high prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with cystic fibrosis and clear epidemiologic links between chronic infection and morbidity and mortality exist. Prevention and early identification of infection are critical, and stand to improve with the advent of new vaccines and laboratory methods. Once the organism is identified, a variety of treatment options are available. Aggressive use of antipseudomonal antibiotics is the standard of care for acute pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis, and providers must take into account specific patient characteristics when making treatment decisions related to antibiotic selection, route and duration of administration, and site of care.

Keywords: Cystic fibrosis; Eradication; Inhaled antibiotics; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Pulmonary exacerbation.