As the month of May approaches, so does Cystic Fibrosis Awareness month. Over 70,000 people worldwide suffer from Cystic Fibrosis (CF), including many of the people we know and love. That being said, it is important to shed a light on CF research to allow for a better understanding of the disease!
First of all, what exactly is Cystic Fibrosis?Â
People get CF through a gene mutation which results in an abnormal function of the CFTR protein. This protein is essential for cells in the body to move chloride to the surface of the cell. Without a properly functioning CFTR protein, cells are not able to move chloride to the cell surface, resulting in thick and sticky mucus to develop in organs such as the lungs and the pancreas. CF patients often get long-lasting lung infections, struggle with breathing, and have serious digestive issues. One of the most common and life-threatening causes of lung infection is the Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogen.
What is Pseudomonas aeruginosa and what is its correlation to Cystic Fibrosis?
P. aeruginosa is a bacteria that can be found in the environment. When spread to CF patients, P. aeruginosa is able to colonize the lungs, resulting in severe lung damage. However, there is controversy surrounding the predominant way P. aeruginosa is spread.
Epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in British Columbia, Canada
Experts from various health institutions in British Columbia conducted a research study on the Epidemiology of P. aeruginosa. Some of these experts were from the Department of Pediatrics at the University of British Columbia. Others were from institutions that had a Cystic Fibrosis clinic. 174 patients with CF and P. aeruginosa were included in the study, and their P. aeruginosa isolates were studied through processes such as gel electrophoresis. The scientists concluded that CF patients were not at a high risk of obtaining P. aeruginosa from other patients, but rather, the predominant mechanism by which patients acquired the bacteria was from basic interaction with the environment.
Ongoing Research on Pseudomonas aeruginosa in CF patients:
Researchers all over the world are working on understanding how P. aeruginosa is able to colonize the lungs, and what signals control their spread. The long term goal of the continued research is to find new ways we can help Cystic Fibrosis patients who contract P. aeruginosa. However, all research is in hopes of finding better solutions for everyone who has CF, as it is a chronic disease that results in premature death. If you want to make a difference in Cystic Fibrosis research and awareness, feel free to visit Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
