Document Type
Article
Rights
Available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike 4.0 International Licence
Abstract
Chronic infection is a hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF) and the main contributor to morbidity. Microbial infection in CF is complex, due to the number of different species that colonise the CF lung. Their colonisation is facilitated by a host response that is impaired or compromised by highly viscous mucous, zones of hypoxia and the lack of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR). Successful dominant CF pathogens combine an effective arsenal to establish infection and counter-attack the host response, together with an ability to adapt readily to an unfavourable environment. Hypermutability is common among CF pathogens facilitating adaptation and as the host response persists, progressive destruction of the normal architecture of lung tissue ensues with catastrophic consequences for the host.
Recommended Citation
Callaghan, M and Mcclean, S. Bacterial host interactions in cystic fibrosis. Current opinion in microbiology. 12/2011; 15(1):71-7. DOI:10.1016/j.mib.2011.11.00
Funder
PRTLI Cycle 4
Included in
Biochemistry Commons, Cell Biology Commons, Microbiology Commons, Molecular Biology Commons, Other Immunology and Infectious Disease Commons
Publication Details
Centre of Microbial Host Interactions and Centre of Applied Science for Health, Institute of Technology Tallaght, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland.
Current opinion in microbiology. 12/2011; 15(1):71-7. DOI:10.1016/j.mib.2011.11.00