Early detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa - comparison of conventional versus molecular (PCR) detection directly from adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF)

Background Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is the most important bacterial pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Currently, routine bacteriological culture on selective/non- selective culture media is the cornerstone of microbiological detection. The aim of this study was to compare isolation rates of PA by conventional culture and molecular (PCR) detection directly from sputum.