[Respiratory infections research: a perspective from the tuberculosis and respiratory infections area (TIR)]

The scientific production of the TIR Area of SEPAR during 2008 is reviewed. In pneumonias, studies on C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and the cytokines as predictive markers of treatment failure are noteworthy, as well as research into the genetic predisposition of the host (polymorphisms of mannose binding lectin) in the prognosis. Among the different activities on tuberculosis in the SEPAR <> year, was the publication of the new SEPAR guidelines for the <>. The studies into tuberculosis have been on, the tuberculosis infection, the new in vitro techniques for detecting interferon gamma, new non-bacillary tuberculosis diagnostic committees, and treatment schemes without rifampicin and isoniazid. In COPD,we have highlighted new aspects in the indications for antibiotic treatment in the Consensus Document for the antibiotic treatment of acute exacerbations of COPD, and in the SEPAR-ALAT Clinical Guidelines. In the field of cystic fibrosis (CF), we highlight 3 studies: a) association between colonising- Pseudomonas aeruginosa induced chronic infection and bronchial hyperreactivity; b) serum immunoglobulins response to Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans in the colonising of the lower respiratory tract and its clinical significance; and c) prevalence of environmental mycobacteria in these patients. In the chapter on bronchiectasis, a study on the relationship between systemic inflammation and severity parameters is highlighted, and finally, the main contributions of the new SEPAR guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of bronchiectasis.