Practical Laboratory Aspects of Cystic Fibrosis Microbiology: an Update, Part I

Abstract Cystic fibrosis (CF) microbiology occupies a unique niche in the clinical microbiology laboratory. It is notable for the diversity of potential pathogens, the labor-intensive nature of culture evaluation, and the complexity of organism identification and susceptibility testing. This article provides an update of the major CF pathogens and offers a practical laboratory guide that addresses some of the issues encountered with these cultures. Part I of this two-part article reviews the new and most current information gathered from the literature since 2006 with respect to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia complex, and other glucose non-fermenting gram-negative rods. Part II of this article will complete the review of the key organisms associated with CF infections, including Staphylococcus aureus , nontuberculous mycobacteria, and fungi. Issues regarding susceptibility testing will also be addressed. Finally, a practical laboratory guide will be provided to address some of the confounding issues associated with CF microbiology.