Emergence of pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis lung infections

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is typically considered an opportunistic bacterial pathogen, only affecting individuals with a compromised immune system. Despite the presence of a seemingly intact immune system, patients with the disease cystic fibrosis (CF) are uniquely susceptible to lung infections with P. aeruginosa. Chronic lung infections with this bacterium are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in this patient population. This chapter reviews the literature on the emergence of P. aeruginosa in chronic lung infections in CF, an understanding of which may identify strategies for future drug development.