Microbiology Characteristics Among Cystic Fibrosis Patients in Western Romania
Abstract Background: Pulmonary infectious inflammation is a major cause of decline in lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) marked by exacerbations, consequently, slowing evolution of lung disease is a primary aim in CF management. The objective of the study was to analyze the microbiological spectrum from epidemiological point of view in our patients. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional transversal study including fifty-seven patients evaluated the prevalence of CF-related microbes in the study group and their pulmonary status. Results: The most frequent microorganism found in our group, regardless age, was Staphyloccocus aureus, closely followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bacillus tuberculosis was a rare germ, despite the important frequency in our country. The microbes frequency was different with age groups, thus 3.5% of 1-3 years old children had the methicillin sen sitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) strain, while for the 6-12 years group, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found in an equal percentage of 14% with MSSA. Pseudomonas prevalence was found in 14.0% of adults and the combined infections were diagnosed in about a fifth of our patients. Conclusions: We concluded that the percentage of respiratory infections with redoubtable microbes is relatively moderate. The presence of underweight among CF patients with severe mutations are risk factor for a worse outcome and measures should be instituted.