Cystic fibrosis: organisms and adaptation

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21233507

Clin Microbiol Rev. 2011 Jan;24(1):29-70.
Clinical significance of microbial infection and adaptation in cystic fibrosis.
Hauser AR, Jain M, Bar-Meir M, McColley SA.

Department of Microbiology/Immunology, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Ave., Searle 6-495, Chicago, IL 60611. ahauser@northwestern.edu.
Abstract
Summary: A select group of microorganisms inhabit the airways of individuals with cystic fibrosis. Once established within the pulmonary environment in these patients, many of these microbes adapt by altering aspects of their structure and physiology. Some of these microbes and adaptations are associated with more rapid deterioration in lung function and overall clinical status, whereas others appear to have little effect. Here we review current evidence supporting or refuting a role for the different microbes and their adaptations in contributing to poor clinical outcomes in cystic fibrosis.