Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Cystic Fibrosis Aggregate Biofilm Model to Study Infection-relevant Gene Expression
08:58

Cystic Fibrosis Aggregate Biofilm Model to Study Infection-relevant Gene Expression

Published on: April 18, 2025

[Nontuberculous mycobacteria in cystic fibrosis]

M Le Bourgeois1, I Sermet-Gaudelus, E Catherinot

  • 1Service de pneumologie pédiatrique, hôpital Necker-Enfants-malades, Assistance-publique-Hôpitaux-de Paris, 75015 Paris, France. muriel.lebourgeois@nck.aphp.fr

Archives De Pediatrie : Organe Officiel De La Societe Francaise De Pediatrie
|September 1, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Cystic fibrosis patients face a higher risk of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections, primarily M. abscessus and M. avium. Effective treatment requires species-specific, prolonged antimicrobial therapy and sometimes surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Context:

  • Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients exhibit increased susceptibility to non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections.
  • Prevalence of NTM infections in CF patients approaches 15%, with Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium avium being the predominant species.
  • Diagnosis relies on integrated clinical, radiological, and bacteriological criteria, necessitating precise species identification.

Purpose:

  • To outline the diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies for NTM infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
  • To highlight the challenges and specific approaches for managing M. abscessus and M. avium infections.

Summary:

  • NTM infections are a significant concern in cystic fibrosis, with prevalence increasing with age.
  • Accurate identification of NTM species, often requiring advanced genetic techniques, is crucial for guiding therapy.
  • Treatment regimens are species-dependent, involving prolonged combination antimicrobial therapy (e.g., rifampicin, clarithromycin, ethambutol for M. avium; imipenem/amikacin followed by clarithromycin/ethambutol for M. abscessus), with surgery considered for localized lesions.

Impact:

  • Informed clinical decision-making for NTM management in CF.
  • Improved understanding of species-specific treatment protocols for better patient outcomes.
  • Potential for enhanced diagnostic accuracy through evaluation of genetic identification techniques.

More Related Videos

The WinCF Model - An Inexpensive and Tractable Microcosm of a Mucus Plugged Bronchiole to Study the Microbiology of Lung Infections06:57

The WinCF Model - An Inexpensive and Tractable Microcosm of a Mucus Plugged Bronchiole to Study the Microbiology of Lung Infections

Published on: May 8, 2017

Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice15:43

Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice

Published on: March 17, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Tuberculosis01:23

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, primarily targeting the lungs and spreading through airborne transmission. Infection begins when aerosolized droplet nuclei, expelled by an individual with active TB, are inhaled by another person. These microscopic particles carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Upon reaching the alveoli, the bacilli are engulfed by alveolar macrophages. However, due to their specialized lipid-rich cell wall, these pathogens...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV01:26

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV

Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis V

Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...