Open AccessClinical Significance of Microbial Infection and Adaptation in Cystic Fibrosis
Author(s) -
Alan R. Hauser,
Manu Jain,
Maskit Bar-Meir,
Susanna A. McColley
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
clinical microbiology reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 9.177
H-Index - 282
eISSN - 1070-6305
pISSN - 0893-8512
DOI - 10.1128/cmr.00036-10
Subject(s) - cystic fibrosis , lung function , adaptation (eye) , clinical significance , lung , biology , medicine , intensive care medicine , pathology , neuroscience
SUMMARY A select group of microorganisms inhabit the airways of individuals with cystic fibrosis. Once established within the pulmonary environment in these patients, many of these microbes adapt by altering aspects of their structure and physiology. Some of these microbes and adaptations are associated with more rapid deterioration in lung function and overall clinical status, whereas others appear to have little effect. Here we review current evidence supporting or refuting a role for the different microbes and their adaptations in contributing to poor clinical outcomes in cystic fibrosis.