Journal of Cystic Fibrosis: Microbial Colonization and Lung Function in Adolescents With Cystic Fibrosis

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Microbial colonization and lung function in adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Hector A, Kirn T, Ralhan A, Graepler-Mainka U, Berenbrinker S, Riethmueller J, Hogardt M, Wagner M, Pfleger A, Autenrieth I, Kappler M, Griese M, Eber E, Martus P, Hartl D. J Cyst Fibros. 2016 May;15(3):340-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2016.01.004. Epub 2016 Feb 5. Abstract With intensified antibiotic therapy and longer survival, patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are colonized with a more complex pattern ofbacteria and fungi. However, the clinical relevance of these emerging pathogens for lung function remains poorly defined. The aim ofthis study was to assess the association of bacterial and fungal colonization patterns with lung function in adolescent patients with CF. Microbial colonization patterns and lung function parameters were assessed in 770 adolescent European (German/Austrian) CF patients in a retrospective study (median follow-up time: 10years). Colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MRSA were most strongly associated with loss of lung function, while mainly colonization with Haemophilus influenzae was associated with preservedlung function. Aspergillus fumigatus was the only species that was associated with an increased risk for infection with P. aeruginosa.Microbial interaction analysis revealed three distinct microbial clusters within the longitudinal course of CF lung disease. Collectively, this study identified potentially protective …