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Cystic Fibrosis Aggregate Biofilm Model to Study Infection-relevant Gene Expression
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Same Game, Different Players: Emerging Pathogens of the CF Lung
Alexa D Gannon1,2, Sophie E Darch3,2
1Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Mbio
|January 13, 2021
Summary
Improved cystic fibrosis (CF) therapies increase survival, but airway infections persist. Emerging pathogens like Aspergillus fumigatus and non-tuberculous mycobacteria highlight the need to study microbial interactions for better treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) survival has improved due to therapies like CFTR modulators.
- Airway microbial infections remain a significant clinical challenge in CF.
- Prevalence of Aspergillus fumigatus and non-tuberculous mycobacteria is increasing in CF patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the emergence of Aspergillus fumigatus and non-tuberculous mycobacteria in CF.
- To explore the role of interspecies interactions in shaping CF lung infections.
- To highlight the importance of understanding microbial communities for developing new therapies.
Main Methods:
- Minireview of current literature on CF pathogens.
- Analysis of microbial interactions in polymicrobial CF lung environments.
- Discussion of implications for host immune defenses and antimicrobial resistance.
Main Results:
- Increased prevalence of Aspergillus fumigatus and non-tuberculous mycobacteria in CF sputum.
- Evidence suggests microbial interactions influence infection tolerance and treatment efficacy.
- These pathogens establish in complex, existing polymicrobial communities.
Conclusions:
- Understanding microbial interactions is critical for future antimicrobial therapy development in CF.
- Further research into these complex ecosystems is warranted.
- Addressing multikingdom infections is essential for improving CF patient outcomes.
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