Which pathogens should we worry about? 2019

Andrew M Jones
Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Road, Manchester M23 9LT, UK. Electronic address: andrew.jones@mft.nhs.uk.

Aside from the traditional CF pathogens, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, there are an increasing number of organisms found to have chronic carriage in patients with cystic fibrosis, including gram-negative bacteria, non-tuberculous mycobacteria, anaerobic bacteria and fungal species. Some of these lower prevalence organisms, such as Burkholderia cenocepacia and Mycobacterium abscessus complex, are recognised as true pathogens associated with significant adverse clinical consequences, whilst for others the relative pathogenicity and need for treatment are unclear. This article will highlight some of the challenges in assessing what is a pathogen in CF and the potential implications of infection with different organisms for individual patients.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D009165 Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous Infections with nontuberculous mycobacteria (atypical mycobacteria): M. kansasii, M. marinum, M. scrofulaceum, M. flavescens, M. gordonae, M. obuense, M. gilvum, M. duvali, M. szulgai, M. intracellulare (see MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX;), M. xenopi (littorale), M. ulcerans, M. buruli, M. terrae, M. fortuitum (minetti, giae), M. chelonae, M. leprae. Mycobacterium Infections, Atypical,Atypical Mycobacterial Infection, Disseminated,Atypical Mycobacterial Infection, Familial Disseminated,Atypical Mycobacteriosis, Familial,Atypical Mycobacteriosis, Familial Disseminated,Atypical Mycobacterium Infections,Infections, Atypical Mycobacterium,Mycobacterium abscessus Infection,Atypical Mycobacterium Infection,Familial Atypical Mycobacterioses,Familial Atypical Mycobacteriosis,Infection, Mycobacterium abscessus,Infections, Mycobacterium abscessus,Mycobacterioses, Familial Atypical,Mycobacteriosis, Familial Atypical,Mycobacterium Infection, Atypical,Mycobacterium Infection, Nontuberculous,Mycobacterium abscessus Infections,Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Infection,Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Infections
D011550 Pseudomonas aeruginosa A species of gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacteria commonly isolated from clinical specimens (wound, burn, and urinary tract infections). It is also found widely distributed in soil and water. P. aeruginosa is a major agent of nosocomial infection. Bacillus aeruginosus,Bacillus pyocyaneus,Bacterium aeruginosum,Bacterium pyocyaneum,Micrococcus pyocyaneus,Pseudomonas polycolor,Pseudomonas pyocyanea
D011552 Pseudomonas Infections Infections with bacteria of the genus PSEUDOMONAS. Infections, Pseudomonas,Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection,Infection, Pseudomonas,Pseudomonas Infection,Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections
D003550 Cystic Fibrosis An autosomal recessive genetic disease of the EXOCRINE GLANDS. It is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the CYSTIC FIBROSIS TRANSMEMBRANE CONDUCTANCE REGULATOR expressed in several organs including the LUNG, the PANCREAS, the BILIARY SYSTEM, and the SWEAT GLANDS. Cystic fibrosis is characterized by epithelial secretory dysfunction associated with ductal obstruction resulting in AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION; chronic RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS; PANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY; maldigestion; salt depletion; and HEAT PROSTRATION. Mucoviscidosis,Cystic Fibrosis of Pancreas,Fibrocystic Disease of Pancreas,Pancreatic Cystic Fibrosis,Pulmonary Cystic Fibrosis,Cystic Fibrosis, Pancreatic,Cystic Fibrosis, Pulmonary,Fibrosis, Cystic,Pancreas Fibrocystic Disease,Pancreas Fibrocystic Diseases
D006192 Haemophilus Infections Infections with bacteria of the genus HAEMOPHILUS. Hemophilus Infections,Haemophilus influenzae Infection,Haemophilus influenzae Type b Infection,Hib Infection,Infections, Haemophilus,Infections, Hemophilus,Haemophilus Infection,Haemophilus influenzae Infections,Hemophilus Infection,Hib Infections,Infection, Haemophilus,Infection, Haemophilus influenzae,Infection, Hemophilus,Infection, Hib
D006193 Haemophilus influenzae A species of HAEMOPHILUS found on the mucous membranes of humans and a variety of animals. The species is further divided into biotypes I through VIII. Bacterium influenzae,Coccobacillus pfeifferi,Haemophilus meningitidis,Hemophilus influenzae,Influenza-bacillus,Mycobacterium influenzae
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000073358 Mycobacterium abscessus A rapidly growing non-tuberculous environmental mycobacterium causing OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTION that infects the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It is associated with HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATED INFECTION and causes serious lung infections in persons with various chronic lung diseases. Mycobacteroides abscessus,Mycobacteroides abscessus subsp. abscessus,Mycobacteroides abscessus subsp. massiliense,Mycobacterium abscessus Complex,Mycobacterium abscessus abscessus,Mycobacterium abscessus bolletii,Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. abscessus,Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. bolletii,Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies abscessus,Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies bolletii,Mycobacterium bolletii,Mycobacterium chelonae abscessus,Mycobacterium massiliense
D013203 Staphylococcal Infections Infections with bacteria of the genus STAPHYLOCOCCUS. Infections, Staphylococcal,Staphylococcus aureus Infection,Staphylococcal Infection,Staphylococcus aureus Infections
D013211 Staphylococcus aureus Potentially pathogenic bacteria found in nasal membranes, skin, hair follicles, and perineum of warm-blooded animals. They may cause a wide range of infections and intoxications.

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