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Updated: Dec 6, 2025

Cystic Fibrosis Aggregate Biofilm Model to Study Infection-relevant Gene Expression
Published on: April 18, 2025
Does cystic fibrosis constitute an advantage in COVID-19 infection?
Valentino Bezzerri1, Francesca Lucca1, Sonia Volpi1
1Cystic Fibrosis Center of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37126, Verona, Italy.
Abstract:
The Veneto region is one of the most affected Italian regions by COVID-19. Chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may constitute a risk factor in COVID-19. Moreover, respiratory viruses were generally associated with severe pulmonary impairment in cystic fibrosis (CF). We would have therefore expected numerous cases of severe COVID-19 among the CF population. Surprisingly, we found that CF patients were significantly protected against infection by SARS-CoV-2. We discussed this aspect formulating some reasonable theories.
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