This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. This study is closed. All children with cystic fibrosis (CF) have bacteria in their respiratory (lung and upper airway) secretions. These bacteria can cause infections that need to be treated with antibiotics. Approximately one-half to two-thirds of patients with CF get a bacteria named Pseudomonas aeruginosa in their respiratory secretions by age 7. We do not know why patients with CF get this particular bacteria in their secretions. The purpose of this research study is to determine when patients with CF get bacteria and particularly Pseudomonas in their respiratory secretions, and possible risk factors for acquiring this bacteria. Possible risk factors could be clinic exposure to other patients with Pseudomonas, antibiotic use, aerosol therapy use, or nutritional status as it relates to the function of the pancreas in CF. We do not know if Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be spread between patients. While there is no clear evidence that early colonization with Pseudomonas aerugonisa is harmful, most experts believe that it is. If this study were to show that exposure of infected children in the clinic increases the risk of early colonization, we would recommend a change in the way children with CF are seen in the clinic. If the study shows no risk in exposing uninfected children to those who are already infected, we can be confident about allowing mixing in the clinic.
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