Epidemiology, Biology, and Impact of Clonal Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections in Cystic Fibrosis.

Epidemiology, Biology, and Impact of Clonal Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections in Cystic Fibrosis.
Clin Microbiol Rev. 2018 Oct;31(4):
Authors: Parkins MD, Somayaji R, Waters VJ
Abstract
SUMMARYChronic lower airway infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in individuals suffering from the genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF). Whereas it was long presumed that each patient independently acquired unique strains of P. aeruginosa present in their living environment, multiple studies have since demonstrated that shared strains of P. aeruginosa exist among individuals with CF. Many of these shared strains, often referred to as clonal or epidemic strains, can be transmitted from one CF individual to another, potentially reaching epidemic status. Numerous epidemic P. aeruginosa strains have been described from different parts of the world and are often associated with an antibiotic-resistant phenotype. Importantly, infection with these strains often portends a worse prognosis than for infection with nonclonal strains, including an increased pulmonary exacerbation rate, exaggerated lung function decline, and progression to end-stage lung disease. This review describes the global epidemiology of clonal P. aeruginosa strains in CF and summarizes the current literature regarding the underlying biology and clinical impact of globally important CF clones. Mechanisms associated with patient-to-patient t...

Source: Clinical Microbiology Reviews - August 31, 2018 Category: Microbiology Authors: Parkins MD, Somayaji R, Waters VJ Tags: Clin Microbiol Rev Source Type: research