The Respiratory System

Viscous secretions and poor clearance leads to colonization with pathogenic bacteria. The hallmark of CF and the cause of death in more than 90% of patients is chronic pulmonary infection [7,8].

Between 16 and 20% of adults with CF over 18 will develop a pneumothorax [9]. The pathogenesis is likely to be similar to secondary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Persistent colonization and infection leads to an increase in inflammatory response which promotes tissue destruction. This results in bronchiectasis, abnormal lung function and respiratory failure.

What are the commonest organisms causing pulmonary infection in CF? See if you can list four of them here.