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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
Bacterial pattern in chronic sinusitis and cystic fibrosis.
Jose M Godoy1, Andres N Godoy, Gloria Ribalta
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA. jose.m.godoy@vanderbilt.edu
Summary
Pathogenic bacteria in the upper and lower airways of cystic fibrosis patients undergoing sinus surgery are linked. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus showed significant associations between sinus and lung cultures.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients often experience chronic sinopulmonary infections.
- The relationship between upper and lower airway bacterial colonization in CF is not fully understood.
- Endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery is a treatment option for CF patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between pathogenic bacteria in bronchoalveolar lavages and paranasal cavity cultures in CF patients.
- To determine if the bacterial pattern in the upper airway correlates with that in the lower airway.
Main Methods:
- Prospective case series involving 16 CF patients who underwent endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery.
- Collection of culture samples from bronchoalveolar lavages and paranasal cavities.
- Fisher exact test used to analyze the association between upper and lower airway cultures.
Main Results:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequent microorganisms found in both sample types.
- A significant association was found between upper airway (sinus) and lower airway (lung) cultures for P. aeruginosa (P = .007) and S. aureus (P = .030).
Conclusions:
- The study confirms a significant association between bronchoalveolar lavage and sinus cultures in CF patients, supporting the unified airway concept.
- Chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps is a common presentation in CF.
- Further research is needed on antibiotic roles and microbial pathogenesis in CF clinical severity.
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