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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
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
Cost-effective airway cultures in the cystic fibrosis patient
Mark D Ghegan1, Sarah K Wise, David R White
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
Background:
Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have a high incidence of multidrug-resistant infections, rendering CF patients a treatment challenge.
Objective:
To evaluate culture protocols for CF patients and develop a cost-effective culture regimen that identifies clinically relevant pathogens.
Study Design:
Retrospective review.
Methods:
At the time of endoscopic sinus surgery, CF patients underwent both sinus and bronchial lavage cultures. Medical records from 2002 to 2006 were reviewed.
Results:
Twenty-four cases were identified; 12 had complete sets of cultures. Seven of 12 had sinus aerobic bacteria that were also present in bronchial culture. Anaerobic cultures from both sites were all negative (42%) or nondiagnostic (58%). Thirty-three percent of sinus fungal cultures and 91.6% of bronchial fungal cultures were positive. Sinus acid fast bacillus cultures were all negative.
Conclusion:
CF culture protocols may be streamlined by eliminating all anaerobic cultures, as well as sinus acid fast bacillus and fungal cultures for a 52% reduction in cost.
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