Editorial Commentary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa Eradication: How Do We Measure Success?

(See the Major Article by Mayer-Hamblett et al on pages 707–15.) Lung disease remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality for people living with cystic fibrosis (CF) [1]. Dysfunctional chloride conductance in the airways results in impaired mucus clearance, which drives a vicious cycle of infection, inflammation, and airway destruction. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) is a bacterial pathogen largely feared by the CF community as its chronic presence is associated with lung damage, a more rapid decline in lung function, and earlier mortality [2–6]. Unfortunately, Pa in airway secretions will be cultured in 80% of people with CF by age 18 years.