What is a common infective species in chronic cystic fibrosis?

In chronic cystic fibrosis, Staphylococcus aureus is a common infective species that significantly affects the lungs. Patients with cystic fibrosis often have thick, sticky mucus that obstructs the airways and provides a conducive environment for bacteria to thrive. Staphylococcus aureus, particularly the methicillin-resistant strain (MRSA), can colonize the respiratory tract and lead to recurrent pulmonary infections, contributing to the progressive decline in lung function that is characteristic of this disease.

The presence of Staphylococcus aureus is particularly notable in early infections in young patients with cystic fibrosis. As the disease progresses, other bacterial infections may become predominant, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but Staphylococcus aureus remains a significant pathogen throughout the disease course.

In contrast, while Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Lactobacillus species can be associated with infections, they are not specifically noted for their prevalence in chronic cystic fibrosis cases. E. coli is more commonly associated with urinary tract infections rather than lung infections, Streptococcus pneumoniae is more prevalent in acute pneumonia rather than chronic colonization, and Lactobacillus species are typically found in the gastrointestinal tract and do not play a role in