Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common respiratory pathogen in cystic fibrosis, and prevelance of infections with this bacteria increase with age. Infections with P. aeruginosa are associated with increased levels of morbidity and mortality, particularly following persistent infections with the mucoid type. For these reasons we are particularly interested in the early detection and treatment of infections with P. aeruginosa in young children with cystic fibrosis.
We have a number of studies focused on this aim and include:
In this study we collect saliva from children by placing a cotton swab in their mouth. We are doing this study to see if can detect antibodies to P. aeruginosa in children's saliva. When the lungs of children with cystic fibrosis are infected, antibodies are produced which fight off the infection. We can detect these antibodies in body fluids such as blood and saliva. We want to see if we can detect antibodies to P. aeruginosa, and if we can if this means children are infected. This will help us to easily detect a P. aeruginosa infection in the lungs.
In this study we collect blood from chidren at the time of their annual BAL when they are under a general anaesthesia. This is similar to the saliva study above, except we are looking for antibodies to P. aeruginosa in the blood (sera). Again, this is another technique that may help us to easily detect an infection with P. aeruginosa in the lungs.
Currently we detect the presence of P. aeruginosa in the lung following culturing of the bacteria from BAL fluid. While the technique of BAL for detecting lower respiratory infections is sensitive, we are continually investigating new, more sensitive measurements of detection of P. aeruginosa in BAL fluid. One of our priorities is to identify low level P. aeruginosa infections and the impact of these infections on respiratory outcomes.
As part of the early surveillance program we have a treatment plan to eradicate P. aeruginosa infections once we detect them. We have found that 77% of children have eradicated P. aeruginosa following the first round of treatment, which increases to 88% of children following a second round of treatment if required.
As part of the early surveillance program we are investigating the effects on clinical respiratory outcomes following an infection with P. aeruginosa. This includes lung function, inflammation in the lung, lung structure and children's symptoms. We are also investigating the different types of P. aeruginosa infections and the subtle differences in how the bacteria functions. We are particularly interested in determining whether there are any factors that predispose children to an infection with P. aeruginosa, how infections with P. aeruginosa effect chidren's respiratory health, and the long term impact of an infection with this bacteria.
Last updated 2 October 2008
