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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Growing a Cystic Fibrosis-Relevant Polymicrobial Biofilm to Probe Community Phenotypes
Published on: April 19, 2024
Cystic fibrosis patients and families support cross-infection measures
A L Griffiths1, D Armstrong, R Carzino
1Dept of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Roberts Rd, Subiaco, 6008, Perth WA, Australia. mandieg@bigpond.net.au
Insights
Most cystic fibrosis patients and families support infection control measures implemented at a Melbourne hospital. These measures aim to prevent the spread of a dangerous Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Disease Control
- Pediatric Pulmonology
Background:
- A specific clonal strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) was identified in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients at a Melbourne hospital.
- This strain was linked to severe lung disease and mortality in young children with CF.
- Widespread carriage of this PA strain necessitated the implementation of segregation measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the support and opinions of cystic fibrosis patients and their families regarding segregation measures.
- To understand the reasons behind patient and family acceptance or rejection of infection control protocols.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to 291 families of pediatric CF patients treated at the center.
- A response rate of 65% was achieved, providing data on patient and parent perspectives.
- Quantitative and qualitative analysis of responses to assess support levels and concerns.
Main Results:
- A significant majority of parents (85%) and older patients (63%) supported the segregation measures.
- Concerns included emotional impact, perceived lack of evidence for person-to-person spread, and feelings of alienation.
- 11% of parents and 25% of patients expressed uncertainty, while a smaller percentage showed negative responses.
Conclusions:
- The majority of cystic fibrosis patients and their families at this center understand and support the implemented infection control measures.
- Patient and family feedback is crucial for refining and maintaining effective infection control strategies in CF care.
- Hospital-based infection control protocols, like segregation, can be accepted by the affected community when communicated effectively.
Abstract:
A clonal strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) was isolated in 1999 at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, after five unrelated children with cystic fibrosis (CF) died from severe lung disease aged <5 yrs. Subsequently, more than half of the patients in the clinic with PA were found to harbour this strain, and segregation measures were instituted at the hospital to prevent further spread. The aim of this study was to assess CF parent and patient responses to the segregation measures to determine overall support. A questionnaire was sent out to the families of 291 CF children treated at the centre. A 65% response rate was obtained. The majority of parents (85%) and patients > or=12 yrs old (63%) were positive about the segregation measures instituted. A total of 11% of parents and 25% of patients were unsure, and 4% of parents and 12% of children gave negative responses. Those who were not happy listed reasons such as concerns about the emotional impact of not socialising with other CF children, inconclusive evidence about person-person spread of infection and feelings of alienation created in the clinic by the separation. In conclusion, the majority of responding cystic fibrosis patients and their families understand and are supportive of infection control measures instituted at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
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