Review
Microbiology
Christina S. Thornton, Michael G. Surette
Summary: Cystic fibrosis is the most common and lethal genetic disease among the Caucasian population, leading to chronic airway inflammation and declining pulmonary function. Studies have shown a diverse community of anaerobic bacteria in CF patients' airways, potentially impacting disease progression through synergistic interaction with principal pathogens. Despite the understanding of this complex bacterial milieu, the specific roles of anaerobes in disease progression remain unclear.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Xuerui Bao, Mona Bove, Tom Coenye
Summary: The high tolerance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in respiratory tract infections in cystic fibrosis contributes to the failure of antibiotic therapy. This study identified carbon sources that could enhance the inhibiting and/or eradicating activity of tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime against P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms. The mechanisms underlying the enhanced biofilm eradicating activity were strain-dependent.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Veronica Roxana Flores-Vega, Silvia Yalid Vargas-Roldan, Jose Luis Lezana-Fernandez, Ricardo Lascurain, Jose Ignacio Santos-Preciado, Roberto Rosales-Reyes
Summary: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease caused by a mutation in the cftr gene, affecting chloride ion and water transport and leading to bacterial infections in the lungs. Autophagy plays a crucial role in pathogen clearance, but P. aeruginosa and B. cenocepacia have strategies to evade this pathway, resulting in chronic inflammatory immune responses.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Jonathan D. Cogen, Anna Faino, Frankline Onchiri, Lucas R. Hoffman, Matthew P. Kronman, David P. Nichols, Margaret Rosenfeld, Ronald L. Gibson
Summary: A retrospective cohort study found that there were no significant differences in respiratory and clinical outcomes between young patients with cystic fibrosis treated with one versus two intravenous antipseudomonal antibiotics for pulmonary exacerbations.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni Di Bonaventura, Veronica Lupetti, Simone De Fabritiis, Alessandra Piccirilli, Annamaria Porreca, Marta Di Nicola, Arianna Pompilio
Summary: This study evaluated the antibacterial and antivirulence activities of eight FDA-approved non-antibiotic drugs and their effects on biofilm formation. Ciclopirox and actinomycin D showed the best antibacterial activity and were most effective against preformed biofilms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Roberto Rosales-Reyes, Veronica Roxana Flores-Vega, Jose Luis Lezana-Fernandez, Jose Ignacio Santos-Preciado
Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant pathogen causing lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. Its increasing antibiotic resistance makes treatment challenging. Microbiology and whole genome sequencing are important tools for determining antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance as well as analyzing genomic variations. Molecular epidemiologic surveillance aids in developing better treatment strategies and controlling the spread of Pseudomonas aeruginosa variants.
ARCHIVES OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jonathan D. Cogen, Frankline M. Onchiri, Nicole Mayer Hamblett, Ronald L. Gibson, Wayne J. Morgan, Margaret Rosenfeld
Summary: The study showed that prolonged use of oral antibiotics in children with cystic fibrosis increased the risk of acquiring Achromobacter xylosoxidans, while treatment with intravenous antibiotics was associated with an increased risk of acquiring multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MRSA.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Giovanni Di Bonaventura, Veronica Lupetti, Fabio Verginelli, Sara Giancristofaro, Rosemary Barbieri, Giovanni Gherardi, Arianna Pompilio
Summary: This study evaluated the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antivirulence activities of apramycin compared to tobramycin against P. aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients. Apramycin showed better efficacy than tobramycin, without cytotoxicity to bronchial epithelial CF cells.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Aleksandra John, Joanna Gozdzik-Spychalska, Magdalena Durda-Masny, Wojciech Czainski, Natalia Pawlowska, Jolanta Wlizlo, Halina Batura-Gabryel, Anita Szwed
Summary: The study described the relationship between the prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and lung function, nutritional status, and gene mutation type in adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The presence of PA was associated with lower FEV1% and BMI values. Severe gene mutation, undernutrition, and deterioration of lung function were linked to a higher probability of PA acquisition and resistance to antibiotic treatment.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Roberto Rosales-Reyes, Silvia Yalid Vargas-Roldan, Jose Luis Lezana-Fernandez, Jose Ignacio Santos-Preciado
Summary: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the respiratory and digestive systems, causing chronic lung infections and breathing difficulties. Mutations in the CFTR gene lead to imbalanced intracellular water content, resulting in sticky mucus and bacterial infections that ultimately affect lung function.
ARCHIVES OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Samantha L. Durfey, Sudhakar Pipavath, Anna Li, Anh T. Vo, Anina Ratjen, Suzanne Carter, Sarah J. Morgan, Matthew C. Radey, Brenda Grogan, Stephen J. Salipante, Michael J. Welsh, David A. Stoltz, Christopher H. Goss, Edward F. McKone, Pradeep K. Singh
Summary: Studies show that chronic CF infections may persist despite improvements induced by CFTR modulators and aggressive antibiotic treatment. Combining CFTR modulators with intensive antibiotics may be most effective for patients with higher CFTR activity. Challenges remain in improving the health of people with CF.
Review
Immunology
Lalitha Biswas, Friedrich Goetz
Summary: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder characterized by recurrent lung infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The interactions between these pathogens play a significant role in their survival, antibiotic resistance, and disease progression. Understanding these interactions is crucial for the treatment and prevention of cystic fibrosis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Vaughn D. Craddock, Evan L. Steere, Hannah Harman, Nicholas S. Britt
Summary: Delafloxacin (DLX) is a newly approved fluoroquinolone that shows broad activity against common cystic fibrosis (CF) pathogens, including multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-Psa). DLX exhibits excellent penetration in the CF lung and has enhanced activity in low pH environments. In this study, DLX was compared to ciprofloxacin (CPX) and levofloxacin (LVX) against Psa strains isolated from CF sputum. DLX showed significant improvements in killing bacteria in a CF sputum time-kill model at physiologically relevant drug concentrations, making it a potential option for treating MDR-Psa pulmonary infections in CF patients.
Article
Microbiology
Claire L. Keating, Jonathan B. Zuckerman, Pradeep K. Singh, Matthew McKevitt, Oksana Gurtovaya, Mark Bresnik, Bruce C. Marshall, Lisa Saiman
Summary: The study tracked susceptibility changes and clinical outcomes in CF patients with chronic P. aeruginosa infection over five years, finding a consistent proportion meeting the primary endpoint annually, but with no association with prior AZLI use. Patients meeting the primary endpoint experienced more pulmonary exacerbations and hospitalizations, despite comparable declines in lung function between those who did and did not meet the endpoint.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Margherita Degasperi, Riccardo Sgarra, Mario Mardirossian, Sabrina Pacor, Massimo Maschio, Marco Scocchi
Summary: This study developed a prodrug to extend the peptide chain of an antimicrobial peptide and added a sequence that can activate the peptide at the site of infection/inflammation, enabling a slow and targeted release. The prodrug showed good antimicrobial activity and lower cytotoxicity in the presence of elastase.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Asmaa El-Heneidy, Robert S. Ware, Jennifer M. Robson, Sarah G. Cherian, Stephen B. Lambert, Keith Grimwood
Summary: The study found that non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented during COVID-19 had a significant impact on respiratory virus detections in Queensland, Australia, particularly leading to a sharp decline in influenza, human metapneumovirus, and parainfluenza detections, while an increase in rhinovirus detections.
AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Khairul Ismail, Ian Hughes, Susan Moloney, Keith Grimwood
Summary: This study characterized pediatric Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG) infections from an Australian center, revealing infections occurring at various anatomical sites and nearly one-quarter of children requiring re-hospitalization for further treatment.
JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Gabor Mihala, Keith Grimwood, Stephen Bernard Lambert, Robert Stuart Ware
Summary: The timing and nature of initial infections by potentially vaccine-preventable gastrointestinal viruses were investigated in a birth cohort in an Australian city. Norovirus II and sapovirus were found to be the most important pathogens in this cohort.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Carla Morley, Carla Carvalho de Almeida, Susan Moloney, Keith Grimwood
Summary: Limited data exist regarding the peripheral nerve toxic effects of fluoroquinolones in children. We present a case of acute-onset peripheral neuropathy associated with ciprofloxacin in a 13-year-old boy, characterized by severe dysesthesia and erythema of both hands and feet, which promptly resolved after cessation of the antibiotic.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Seweryn Bialasiewicz, Meryta May, Sarah Tozer, Rebecca Day, Anne Bernard, Julian Zaugg, Kyana Gartrell, Soren Alexandersen, Anthony Chamings, Claire Y. T. Wang, Julia Clark, Keith Grimwood, Claire Heney, Luregn Schlapbach, Robert S. Ware, David Speers, Ross M. Andrews, Stephen Lambert
Summary: A study found that the recombinant strain of human parechovirus 3 (HPeV3-AR) was the dominant strain in the outbreaks of sepsis-like illnesses in infants in Australia. However, this strain was not associated with increased disease severity.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Don Vicendese, Stephanie Yerkovich, Keith Grimwood, Patricia C. Valery, Catherine A. Byrnes, Peter S. Morris, Shyamali C. Dharmage, Anne B. Chang
Summary: This study aimed to determine the most effective period of azithromycin and explore factors that may modify its effects in patients with bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis. The results showed that the most effective period of azithromycin was between weeks 17 and 62 after starting treatment. Additionally, factors such as nasopharyngeal carriage of bacterial pathogens, New Zealand children, and higher weight-for-height z scores were associated with greater reduction in exacerbations, while being born preterm was associated with lower reduction. These findings provide guidance for the treatment of patients with bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis.
Article
Immunology
Asmaa El-Heneidy, Robert S. Ware, Stephen B. Lambert, Keith Grimwood
Summary: Sapoviruses cause a high incidence of infection in Australian children under 2 years old, particularly in children aged 6-23 months. Around one-third of the infections are symptomatic, with vomiting being the most common symptom, and a significant proportion of these cases require healthcare.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sumanta Saha, Nicolette Fozzard, Stephen B. Lambert, Robert S. Ware, Keith Grimwood
Summary: This study investigated the characteristics of human bocavirus-1 (HBoV1) infection in young Australian children. The incidence of HBoV1 infections increased with age, during winter, and with childcare attendance in infants younger than 2 years old. Symptoms were usually mild and associated with higher viral loads.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Alexis G. Bosman, Jason Beer, Keith Grimwood
JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Asmaa El-Heneidy, Keith Grimwood, Stephen B. Lambert, Robert S. Ware
Summary: In a cohort study of Australian infants, it was found that enteric viruses may interfere with the replication and shedding of RotaTeq vaccine virus in the gut. The presence of RNA and DNA enteric viruses in stool samples before RotaTeq vaccination was negatively associated with RotaTeq shedding, suggesting decreased vaccine virus replication. This viral interference may contribute to the reduced effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines in countries with high child mortality rates.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Pediatrics
Oleksandr Mazulov, Zena Powell, Ed Powell, Andrew B. Bush, Anne B. Chang, Ahmad Kantar, Keith Grimwood, Bulent Karadag
PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Grigorios Chatziparasidis, Ahmad Kantar, Keith Grimwood
Summary: The respiratory tract antimicrobial defense system protects the lungs from microorganisms through various defense mechanisms. Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), a potential pathogen, uses multiple strategies to colonize the lower airways and establish persistent infections. NTHi impairs mucociliary clearance, evades host defenses, and forms biofilms, causing chronic infections and inflammation. Understanding the molecular pathogenesis of NTHi is important for developing effective therapies and vaccines, considering its genetic heterogeneity. Currently, there are no vaccine candidates ready for large clinical trials.
PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY
(2023)
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.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mark R. R. Davies, Nadia Keller, Stephan Brouwer, Magnus G. G. Jespersen, Amanda J. J. Cork, Andrew J. Hayes, Miranda E. E. Pitt, David M. P. De Oliveira, Nichaela Harbison-Price, Olivia M. M. Bertolla, Daniel G. G. Mediati, Bodie F. F. Curren, George Taiaroa, Jake A. A. Lacey, Helen V. V. Smith, Ning-Xia Fang, Lachlan J. M. Coin, Kerrie Stevens, Steven Y. C. Tong, Martina Sanderson-Smith, Jai J. J. Tree, Adam D. D. Irwin, Keith Grimwood, Benjamin P. P. Howden, Amy V. V. Jennison, Mark J. J. Walker
Summary: A new variant of Streptococcus pyogenes serotype M1 (M1(UK)) has been reported in the UK, which exhibits enhanced expression of the superantigen SpeA. A single SNP in the 5' leader sequence of ssrA is responsible for the upregulation of SpeA expression. This variant has also been observed in Australia and is associated with epidemic scarlet fever in Asia.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Mari D. Takashima, Keith Grimwood, Peter D. Sly, Stephen B. Lambert, Robert S. Ware
Summary: This study evaluated the interaction between rhinovirus and potentially pathogenic bacteria in early infancy and their association with wheezing and asthma. The results showed that rhinovirus infection increased the risk of wheezing before age 2 years, while Haemophilus influenzae infection increased the odds of asthma at age 5-7 years. Microbes may have an etiologic role in wheezing and asthma.
PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY
(2023)
