Article
Genetics & Heredity
Marwa Mezher Kani, Yasir Adil Jabbar Alabdali
Summary: The prevalence of integrons in multidrug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was examined in this study. By analyzing 100 swabs collected from burn and clinical cases in Al Muthanna governorate from November 2021 to March 2022, the existence of P. aeruginosa and its association with integrons was confirmed. Among the isolated strains, 12 out of 55 showed the presence of the active Integrase I gene. These findings highlight the significant occurrence of integrons in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains resistant to multiple pharmaceutical agents, underscoring the need for effective strategies to combat bacterial drug resistance.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marco Artini, Gianluca Vrenna, Marika Trecca, Vanessa Tuccio Guarna Assanti, Ersilia Vita Fiscarelli, Rosanna Papa, Laura Selan
Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium frequently involved in cystic fibrosis airway infections. It increases its virulence through biofilm, motility, toxin production, and invasion of host cells. The metalloprotease serratiopeptidase (SPEP) has been shown to impair the virulence-related properties of Gram-positive bacteria. In this study, the effects of SPEP on different physiological aspects related to the virulence of P. aeruginosa isolated from CF patients were investigated. The results showed that SPEP impaired attachment to inert surfaces and adhesion/invasion of eukaryotic cells. It also had strain-dependent effects on pyocyanin and pyoverdine production. Additionally, SPEP seemed to increase swarming motility and staphylolytic protease production. Further studies are needed to understand why different strains react differently to specific treatments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Courtney E. Chandler, Casey E. Hofstaedter, Tracy H. Hazen, David A. Rasko, Robert K. Ernst
Summary: Individuals with cystic fibrosis often suffer from recurrent infections, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium found in their airways. This study examined early isolates of P. aeruginosa from young CF patients to understand the genetic adaptations during colonization and infection. The study found that specific phenotypic adaptations did not have a clear genetic basis, and the geography of patient origin did not significantly influence genetic adaptation. Overall, the study adds to the understanding of P. aeruginosa evolution in CF airway disease.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Eryn E. Bernardy, Vishnu Raghuram, Joanna B. Goldberg
Summary: The interaction between Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients is key to understanding the severity of respiratory infections. The survival of S. aureus is significantly higher when coinfected with P. aeruginosa, suggesting that interactions between these two bacteria promote coexistence in the CF lung environment.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jiwar Al-Zawity, Faria Afzal, Aysha Awan, Daniela Nordhoff, Alexander Kleimann, Daniel Wesner, Tristan Montier, Tony Le Gall, Mareike Muller
Summary: This study investigates the influence of the steroid sex hormone estradiol (E-2) on biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The results show that E-2 treatment can increase the attached biofilm mass, remodel the biofilm ultrastructure, and potentially modulate the QS signaling in the biofilm.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Chun-Yu Lin, Hung-Yu Huang, Meng-Heng Hsieh, Yueh-Fu Fang, Yu-Lun Lo, Shu-Min Lin, Yu-Tung Huang, Chih-Hsin Yeh, Chun-Hua Wang, Horng-Chyuan Lin
Summary: This study investigated the impact of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in Taiwan. The results showed that NTM were associated with frequent exacerbations and mortality in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients, especially when coexisting with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungus. Additionally, the presence of single or multiple NTM isolates was an independent risk factor for mortality.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Marco Artini, Rosanna Papa, Filippo Sapienza, Mijat Bozovic, Gianluca Vrenna, Vanessa Tuccio Guarna Assanti, Manuela Sabatino, Stefania Garzoli, Ersilia Vita Fiscarelli, Rino Ragno, Laura Selan
Summary: The study evaluated the biofilm growth modulation exerted by 61 commercial essential oils on a selected number of P. aeruginosa strains isolated from CF patients. Additionally, machine learning techniques were used to identify the essential oil chemical components responsible for the positive or negative modulation of bacterial biofilm formation.
Article
Microbiology
Rucha Datar, Andreu Coello Pelegrin, Sylvain Orenga, Valerie Chalansonnet, Caroline Mirande, Jill Dombrecht, John D. Perry, Audrey Perry, Herman Goossens, Alex van Belkum
Summary: The study found that cystic fibrosis (CF) patients suffer from chronic lung infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, leading to lung damage. There are phenotypic and genotypic differences among P. aeruginosa isolates from different CF patients, but isolates from the same patient have high similarity. Bacteria show varying levels of resistance to different antibiotics, and lung transplantation (LTx) does not change the type of infecting strains.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Madeline Mei, Preston Pheng, Detriana Kurzeja-Edwards, Stephen P. Diggle
Summary: Chronic, highly antibiotic-resistant infections in cystic fibrosis lungs contribute to increasing morbidity and mortality. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common CF pathogen, exhibits resistance to multiple antibiotics, contributing to antimicrobial resistance. This study found that the diversity of P. aeruginosa variants within CF lung infections leads to varying susceptibility to R-pyocins, and suggests that LPS packing density may play a significant role in R-pyocin susceptibility among CF variants.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Giovanna Batoni, Elisa Catelli, Esinguel Kaya, Arianna Pompilio, Marta Bianchi, Emilia Ghelardi, Giovanni Di Bonaventura, Semih Esin, Giuseppantonio Maisetta
Summary: Therapy of lung infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients is challenging due to the presence of sticky mucus and antibiotic-tolerant biofilm. This study evaluates the growth of probiotic strains in an artificial sputum medium and their effects on planktonic and biofilm growth of clinical strains of P. aeruginosa. The results show that Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum can grow in the sputum medium and inhibit the growth of P. aeruginosa, including the pre-formed biofilm.
Article
Microbiology
Ijeoma N. Okoliegbe, Karolin Hijazi, Kim Cooper, Corinne Ironside, Ian M. Gould
Summary: This study compared the in vitro activity of new antimicrobials with other antipseudomonal agents and found colistin to be one of the most active antimicrobials, while combinations with beta-lactam plus beta-lactamase inhibitors showed synergistic effects. The study also highlights the importance of effective fluoroquinolone stewardship for CF patients.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Catalina Diaz-Rios, Marta Hernandez, David Abad, Laura Alvarez-Montes, Athanasia Varsaki, David Iturbe, Jorge Calvo, Alain A. Ocampo-Sosa
Summary: A study investigated the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates collected from a cystic fibrosis patient, revealing different colony morphologies, pigmentation, and resistance genes. The findings suggest an adaptation of the clone to the cystic fibrosis lung environment through mutations affecting biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and antimicrobial resistance genes.
Article
Microbiology
Luca A. Robinson, Alice C. Z. Collins, Ronan A. Murphy, Jane C. Davies, Luke P. Allsopp
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of 52 high-quality clinical P. aeruginosa genomes isolated from CF patients. The results showed that the clinical CF isolate genome consists mainly of accessory and unique genes, which may provide strain-specific advantages. The study found genetic variability in some effector/immunity encoding genes and identified the presence of orphan vgrG islands in some isolates. The study also revealed disruption to T6SS genomic loci through transposon, prophage, and mobile genetic element insertions.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Parisa Bonyadi, Narjes Tehrani Saleh, Mohadeseh Dehghani, Mahsa Yamini, Kumarss Amini
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the pattern of antibiotic resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) using a systematic review and meta-analysis. High resistance to most of the studied antibiotics was observed, indicating the need for antibiotic usage monitoring. Colistin was found to be the most appropriate treatment choice, but further randomized controlled trials are recommended.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marco Artini, Esther Imperlini, Francesco Buonocore, Michela Relucenti, Fernando Porcelli, Orlando Donfrancesco, Vanessa Tuccio Guarna Assanti, Ersilia Vita Fiscarelli, Rosanna Papa, Laura Selan
Summary: This study demonstrates the anti-biofilm and anti-virulence activity of KHS-Cnd against clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It impairs biofilm development and causes biofilm disaggregation, while also reducing adhesion to host cells and inhibiting invasion. The potential of KHS-Cnd as a therapeutic agent against P. aeruginosa is highlighted.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Kathleen Hall, Lyndal Maxwell, Robyn Cobb, Rebecca Chambers, Mark Roll, Scott C. Bell, Suzanne Kuys
Summary: This study describes physiotherapy service provision in a large tertiary adult CF center and finds that a large number of physiotherapists are involved in the delivery of services. Recommended respiratory and exercise treatments were frequently provided, but other recommended activities occurred infrequently. The impact of increasing age, numbers of patients, and complexity of care may be contributing to demand exceeding supply for physiotherapy services.
PHYSIOTHERAPY THEORY AND PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Respiratory System
Adele Coriati, Xiayi Ma, Jenna Sykes, Sanja Stanojevic, Rasa Ruseckaite, Lydie Lemonnier, Clemence Dehillotte, Jan Tate, Catherine Ann Byrnes, Scott C. Bell, Pierre Regis Burgel, Anne L. Stephenson
Summary: This study compared the survival rates of cystic fibrosis patients in countries with single-payer healthcare systems, taking into account markers of disease severity. The results showed that France had significantly higher survival rates compared to other countries, despite having a higher proportion of underweight patients.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Amanda Brass, Andrew P. Shoubridge, Nicolas Larby, Levi Elms, Sarah K. Sims, Erin Flynn, Caroline Miller, Maria Crotty, Lito E. Papanicolas, Steve L. Wesselingh, Lidia Morawska, Scott C. Bell, Steven L. Taylor, Geraint B. Rogers
Summary: This study reports the use of CO2-based ventilation assessment to identify potential 'super-spreader' zones within an aged care facility and evaluate the effectiveness of rapidly implemented, inexpensive risk reduction measures.
Review
Critical Care Medicine
Andrew Burke, Rachel M. M. Thomson, Claire E. E. Wainwright, Scott C. C. Bell
Summary: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are opportunistic pathogens that are becoming increasingly concerning in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). They can be acquired from environmental sources or through transmission among pwCF attending CF specialist centers. Guidelines for screening, diagnosis, and management of NTM in pwCF have been published. The emergence of CF-specific therapies, particularly CFTR modulator drugs, has improved the health of pwCF but presents challenges in sampling for NTM.
SEMINARS IN RESPIRATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Nusrat Homaira, Roxanne Strachan, Helen Quinn, Sean Beggs, Mejbah Bhuiyan, Asha Bowen, Laura K. Fawcett, Gwendolyn L. Gilbert, Stephen B. Lambert, Kristine Macartney, Helen S. Marshall, Andrew C. Martin, Gabrielle McCallum, Angela McCullagh, Tim McDonald, Hiran Selvadurai, Peter McIntyre, Shahin Oftadeh, Sarath Ranganathan, Thomas Saunders, Sadasivam Suresh, Claire Wainwright, Angela Wilson, Melanie Wong, Adam Jaffe, Tom Snelling
Summary: In this nationwide case-control study conducted in 11 pediatric tertiary hospitals in Australia, we aimed to assess the direct protective effect of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (13vPCV) against invasive pneumococcal pneumonia (IPP) in children. The study concluded that the direct protective effect of 13vPCV against IPP among Australian children was not significant.
Article
Economics
Sarah Acaster, Clara Mukuria, Donna Rowen, John E. Brazier, Claire E. Wainwright, Bradley S. Quon, Jamie Duckers, Alexandra L. Quittner, Yiyue Lou, Patrick R. Sosnay, Lisa J. McGarry
Summary: This study developed a preference-based utility measure for cystic fibrosis (CF) based on the CFQ-R questionnaire, which is the first disease-specific scoring algorithm for CF. It allows for estimation of disease-specific utilities and can be used in cost-effectiveness analysis.
Article
Immunology
Champa N. Ratnatunga, Katie Tungatt, Carla Proietti, Sam Halstrom, Michael R. Holt, Viviana P. Lutzky, Patricia Price, Denise L. Doolan, Scott C. Bell, Matt A. Field, Andreas Kupz, Rachel M. Thomson, John J. Miles
Summary: Non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is a global health burden. We studied the immunopathology and found that different infecting species lead to different immune gene expressions. In patients who failed therapy, the immune system seemed to ignore the lung infection. Immune biosignatures can accurately reflect disease stage and infecting species. Blocking checkpoint inhibitors may restore antigen-specific secretion. These findings provide new targets and approaches for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of NTM-PD.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kay W. Ramsay, Attika C. Rehman, Samuel M. Wardell, Lois Martin, Scott L. Bell, Wayne Patrick, Craig Winstanley, Iain Lamont
Summary: The aim of this research was to identify mutations that contribute to ceftazidime resistance and quantify their impact. Mutations in multiple genes were found in ceftazidime-resistant mutants, with dacB and mpl being the most frequently mutated genes. The study also revealed the complexity and multifactorial nature of ceftazidime resistance.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jake M. Najman, Scott Bell, Gail M. Williams, Alexandra M. Clavarino, James G. Scott, Tara R. McGee, Abdullah A. Mamun
Summary: This study examines the association between cigarette smoking, cannabis use, and co-use of both on lung function in young adults. The results show that cigarette smoking (with or without cannabis use) is associated with reduced airflow, while cannabis use does not appear to be related to lung function. Co-use of tobacco and cannabis does not entail any additional risk to lung function beyond tobacco use alone.
RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Respiratory System
Claire E. Wainwright
Article
Respiratory System
Anne B. Chang, Scott C. Bell, Catherine A. Byrnes, Paul Dawkins, Anne E. Holland, Emma Kennedy, Paul T. King, Pamela Laird, Sarah Mooney, Lucy Morgan, Marianne Parsons, Betty Poot, Maree Toombs, Paul J. Torzillo, Keith Grimwood
Summary: This position statement provides updated guidelines for the management of chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD) and bronchiectasis in Australian and New Zealand children/adolescents and adults. The guidelines emphasize early diagnosis, using chest computed-tomography scans, and a baseline panel of investigations to assess severity and develop individualized management plans. Intensive treatment is recommended to improve symptom control and lung function, while individualized airway clearance techniques, regular exercise, and proper nutrition are also important. Exacerbations should be treated with appropriate antibiotics, and ongoing care and monitoring are crucial, especially for under-served populations.
Letter
Critical Care Medicine
Paul Robinson, Tonia A. Douglas, Claire Wainwright
LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Andrew Burke, Robyn Carter, Carla Tolson, Jacob Congdon, Christine Duplancic, Evan Bursle, Scott C. Bell, Jason A. Roberts, Rachel Thomson
Summary: This study describes the in vitro activity of imipenem-relebactam and tedizolid against Mycobacterium abscessus isolates from patients with and without cystic fibrosis, and suggests their potential use as treatment options for M. abscessus infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Rhonda Szczesniak, Eleni-Rosalina Andrinopoulou, Weiji Su, Pedro M. Afonso, Pierre-Regis Burgel, Elizabeth Cromwell, Emrah Gecili, Enas Ghulam, Christopher H. Goss, Nicole Mayer-Hamblett, Ruth H. Keogh, Theodore G. Liou, Bruce Marshall, Wayne J. Morgan, Joshua S. Ostrenga, David J. Pasta, Sanja Stanojevic, Claire Wainwright, Grace C. Zhou, Gabriela Fernandez, Aliza K. Fink, Michael S. Schechter
Summary: The study aims to estimate the rate of lung function decline in cystic fibrosis and examine the impact of different research methods on the results. The findings show that the choice of modeling strategy can affect the estimated rate of decline, but the results are generally reliable under specific scenarios.
ANNALS OF THE AMERICAN THORACIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Elizabeth C. Lloyd, Jonathan D. Cogen, Holly Maples, Scott C. Bell, Lisa Saiman
Summary: This article provides evidence-based antimicrobial treatment strategies for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and highlights the potential impact of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in CF care. It also offers practical strategies for incorporating AMS programs into the management of pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) in pwCF. The challenging aspects of chronic, polymicrobial infection unique to CF, limited guidelines for managing PEx, limited utility of antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and increased frequency of adverse drug events in pwCF pose challenges for implementing AMS in CF care.
JOURNAL OF THE PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES SOCIETY
(2022)
