Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Growing a Cystic Fibrosis-Relevant Polymicrobial Biofilm to Probe Community Phenotypes
03:53

Growing a Cystic Fibrosis-Relevant Polymicrobial Biofilm to Probe Community Phenotypes

Published on: April 19, 2024

Bacteremia in patients with cystic fibrosis

M M McCarthy, M H Rourk, A Spock

    Clinical Pediatrics
    |November 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Bacteremia, or bloodstream infection, is reported for the first time in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. This finding challenges the assumption of robust immunity in CF, highlighting the need for further investigation into CF bacteremia.

    Area of Science:

    • Medical Microbiology
    • Pediatric Pulmonology
    • Immunology

    Background:

    • Bacteremia is uncommon in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, likely due to heightened systemic immunity associated with chronic lung infections.
    • Previous literature has not documented instances of bacteremia in individuals with CF.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To report the occurrence of bacteremia in pediatric patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
    • To investigate the causative organisms and potential sources of bacteremia in CF patients.

    Main Methods:

    • Case series reporting on three patients with cystic fibrosis and documented bacteremia.
    • Identification of bacterial pathogens from blood cultures and autopsy samples.
    • Assessment of patients' immune status through clinical history and laboratory data.

    Main Results:

    • Two infants and one adolescent with CF presented with documented or premortem bacteremia.
    • Identified pathogens included Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia marcescens, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, presumed to originate from the respiratory tract.
    • No evidence of primary immunodeficiency was found in the affected patients.

    Conclusions:

    • This study presents the first documented cases of bacteremia in cystic fibrosis patients.
    • The findings suggest that bacteremia can occur in CF despite presumed immune activation.
    • Further research is required to determine the incidence and specific circumstances of bacteremia in CF.

    More Related Videos

    Development of a Polymicrobial Colony Biofilm Model to Test Antimicrobials in Cystic Fibrosis07:16

    Development of a Polymicrobial Colony Biofilm Model to Test Antimicrobials in Cystic Fibrosis

    Published on: September 20, 2024

    Cystic Fibrosis Aggregate Biofilm Model to Study Infection-relevant Gene Expression08:58

    Cystic Fibrosis Aggregate Biofilm Model to Study Infection-relevant Gene Expression

    Published on: April 18, 2025

    Related Concept Videos

    Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

    Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

    Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
    CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
    Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology01:25

    Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology

    The pathophysiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) encompasses several progressive stages, beginning with bacterial colonization and culminating in potential systemic complications if untreated. UTIs are primarily initiated by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often originate from the gastrointestinal tract and migrate to the urinary system through the periurethral area. This migration can occur via several routes, including improper hygiene practices, sexual activity, or...
    Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

    Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

    The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...
    Bacterial Meningitis01:24

    Bacterial Meningitis

    Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
    Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

    Cryptococcal Meningitis

    Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
    Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

    Pneumonia I: Introduction

    Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...