Which pathogen is commonly associated as an opportunistic infection in cystic fibrosis patients?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the pathogen most commonly associated with opportunistic infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. This bacterium is particularly adept at surviving in the thick mucus that characterizes cystic fibrosis, which creates an environment conducive to bacterial colonization. In CF, the mucus obstructs airways and traps bacteria, leading to recurrent lung infections and inflammation.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for its ability to thrive in various environments and its resistance to multiple antibiotics, making it a formidable pathogen in patients with compromised respiratory function. The chronic infection often results in a progressive decline in lung function, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

While other pathogens listed can also infect individuals with cystic fibrosis, none are as prominent or as well-documented as Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the context of acute or chronic lung infection in these patients. This highlights the unique challenges that cystic fibrosis patients face regarding bacterial infections and the specific pathogenic adaptations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.