[Microbiology of chronic lung diseases in children (author's transl)]

The bacterial flora was studied in the bronchial, pharyngeal secretions and sputum of 80 children with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and of 21 children with other chronic lung diseases, treated at the Pediatric Clinic (Respiratory Unit), University of Genoa. Staphylococcus aureus was found in 52% of patients, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 48%, Proteus in 5%. According to the age, the patients have been distinguished into four groups; in the 6-10 and 11-15 year-old group Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest pathogen isolated, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found much more commonly in the 16-20 year-old group. Details are given of antibiotic-sensitivity for single strains grown. Intensive care programs, based on specific antibiotic-sensitivity, for in-patients and out-patients, are reported: positive results in treatment courses with Gentamicin, Cephalosporins and Tobramycin are presented.