Related Experiment Videos
Isolation of Pseudomonas cepacia in cystic fibrosis patient
E de A Marques1, R M Pinto, L T Dallallana
1Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Médicas, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
Abstract:
Pulmonary infection on cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are associated with a limited qualitative number of microorganisms. During the colonization process, Staphylococcus aureus usually precedes Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This latter is at first non-mucoid, being replaced or associated to a mucoid morphotype which is rare in other diseases. In 1980, Pseudomonas cepacia appeared as an important agent in CF pulmonary infections with a mean frequency of about 6.1% isolations in different parts of the world. The primus colonization mainly occurs in the presence of pre-existent tissue lesions and the clinical progress of the disease is variable. In some patients it can be fulminant; in others it can cause a gradual and slow decrease in their pulmonary functions. The concern with this germ isolation is justified by its antibiotic multiple resistance and the possibility of direct transmission from a colonized patient to a non-colonized one. We reported the first case of P. cepacia infection in a CF patient in our area. The microbiological attendance to this patient had been made from 1986 to 1991 and the first positive culture appeared in 1988. The sensitivity profile showed that the primus colonization strain was sensitive to 9 of 17 tested antibiotics, however in the last culture the strain was resistant to all antibiotics. These data corroborate the need for monitoring the bacterial flora on CF patients respiratory system.
Insights
Pseudomonas cepacia infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are a growing concern due to antibiotic resistance. Early monitoring of bacterial flora is crucial for managing CF pulmonary infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients experience limited microbial diversity in pulmonary infections.
- Staphylococcus aureus colonization typically precedes Pseudomonas aeruginosa in CF patients.
- Mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa morphotypes are characteristic of CF lung infections.
Observation:
- Pseudomonas cepacia emerged as a significant CF pathogen around 1980.
- Colonization often occurs with pre-existing lung lesions, leading to variable clinical outcomes.
- This bacterium exhibits high rates of antibiotic multi-resistance and poses a transmission risk.
Findings:
- The first reported case of P. cepacia infection in a local CF patient is detailed.
- The initial P. cepacia strain was sensitive to 9 of 17 antibiotics.
- Over time, the infecting strain developed pan-resistance, becoming resistant to all tested antibiotics.
Implications:
- These findings highlight the critical need for continuous monitoring of bacterial flora in CF patients.
- Effective management strategies for P. cepacia in CF require vigilant surveillance and updated treatment protocols.
- Understanding bacterial evolution in CF lungs is essential for improving patient outcomes.