Organization of Patient Management and Fungal Epidemiology in Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

The achievement of a better life for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is mainly caused by a better management and infection control over the last three decades. Herein, we want to summarize the cornerstones for an effective management of CF patients and to give an overview of the knowledge about the fungal epidemiology in this clinical context in Europe. Data from a retrospective analysis encompassing 66,616 samples from 3235 CF patients followed-up in 9 CF centers from different European countries are shown.

The myriad challenges of respiratory fungal infection in cystic fibrosis

“…A retrospective analysis of respiratory samples from nine European CF center datasets from 2011 to 2016 supported the epidemiologic findings from these recent studies—despite variability in patient cohorts and diagnostic protocols . Again C albicans was the most prevalent yeast found; the mean number of positive patients detected each year was between 33.8% and 77.9%.…”

“…[10][11][12] A retrospective analysis of respiratory samples from nine European CF center datasets from 2011 to 2016 supported the epidemiologic findings from these recent studies-despite variability in patient cohorts and diagnostic protocols. 13 Again C albicans was the FIGURE 1 Cystic fibrosis fungal biodiversity grouped according to frequency of isolation (x axis) and established pathogenicity (y axis). The fungi are further divided in terms of chronicity as illustrated.…”

Fungal Respiratory Infections in Cystic Fibrosis (CF): Recent Progress and Future Research Agenda

“…In the first article, a team led by Sedlacek sketches the scope of the special issue with a comprehensive description of the evolving epidemiology and best management practices for the CF patients as per the standards of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society [5]. Their multicenter overview highlights the increasing involvement of the fungal pathogens and the critical role of the clinical microbiologists for providing tests tailored to the special needs of the CF patients.…”

“…Their multicenter overview highlights the increasing involvement of the fungal pathogens and the critical role of the clinical microbiologists for providing tests tailored to the special needs of the CF patients. The authors review available evidence for allergenic and invasive diseases caused by the pathogenic molds and yeasts recovered from the respiratory specimens in nearly one-third of the CF patients [5]. Schwarz et al [6] highlight the therapeutic strategies and preventative measurements for fungal infections in patients with CF.…”

“…Delhaes and the group from the ''MucoFong'' program summarize the results of systematic investigation on the optimal culture methods for recovery of fungal pathogens from the respiratory specimens of CF patients [13]. This [5,6] 2. Fungal diagnostic criteria in CF patients [6,9,12,13] 3.…”