Aeruginosa And Chronic Lung Infection Of Cystic Fibrosis

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Chronic Lung Infection of Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Valerie R. Vorndran

Pueblo Community College Abstract

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetically inherited autosomal disease that affects the ability to clear mucus from the airway. Mucus accumulation in the lungs and airway increases susceptibility to opportunistic pathogens such as, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Airway bacterial infection and eventually chronic lung infection is the primary cause of death in people with CF. P. aeruginosa ability to mutate, transfer genes, produce alginate, and toxins all contribute to it virulence and ability to cause chronic lung infection in CF patients. Cystic Fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe because of a thick build-up of mucus in the lungs. The mucus accumulation in the lungs is an environment where bacteria thrive. Many patients with CF are susceptible to opportunistic pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenza, with P. aeruginosa being the most important. Immune systems of CF patients are often compromised making them

aeruginosa’s ability to mutate genetically and transform into different antibiotic-resistant strains, make it the most important bacteria species studied among patients suffering from CF. It’s ability to form a glycocalyx and prevent the host’s white blood cells to attach and phagocytize the pathogen also contributes to its importance of a pathogen. The formation of a biofilm communicates to the bacterial colony that it is being attacked by antibiotics and to mutate to adapt and survive. The mutation of the bacteria to form an alginate to protect it from environmental stresses as well as the ability to release powerful exotoxins to inhibit protein synthesis of the host’s cells add to P. aeruginosa virulence and ability to develop chronic lung infections in CF