Multi-drug resistant infection spread... - Lung Conditions C...

Lung Conditions Community Forum

56,238 members66,863 posts

Multi-drug resistant infection spreading globally among cystic fibrosis patients.

2greys profile image
6 Replies

A multi-drug resistant infection that can cause life-threatening illness in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and can spread from patient to patient has spread globally and is becoming increasingly virulent, according to new research published today in the journal Science.

The study, led by the University of Cambridge and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, also suggests that conventional cleaning will not be sufficient to eliminate the pathogen, which can be transmitted through contaminated surfaces or in the air.

Mycobacterium abscessus, a species of multidrug resistant mycobacteria, has recently emerged as a significant global threat to individuals with cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases. It can cause a severe pneumonia leading to accelerated inflammatory damage to the lungs, and may prevent safe lung transplantation. It is also extremely difficult to treat – fewer than one in three cases is treated successfully.

It was previously thought that patients acquired the infection from the environment and that transmission between patients never occurred. The research team had previously studied one specialist CF centre in the UK and identified genetic and epidemiological evidence suggesting person-to-person transmission of M. abscessus but it was unclear whether this was a one off incident.

cam.ac.uk/research/news/mul...

Written by
2greys profile image
2greys
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies
Ergendl profile image
Ergendl

Thanks for this post. It's a clear warning for us lungies to keep up safe practices even as we start to move out of lockdown restrictions.

zube-UK profile image
zube-UK

Thanks 2g, no one seems to realise how many infections are spread by airborne transmission, they can’t see it so don’t think about it but for us with impaired lungs it is serious. The times I have been packed into a stuffy hospital waiting room, shoulder to shoulder next to other patients, no windows, then getting home to start a high temp, coughing for the next couple of months. Bus journeys too, a bus is an enclosed capsule of exhaled air. There is an article written about airborne transmission in the Lancet 15th April.

Dedalus profile image
Dedalus

Thanks for this - not good news

Karenanne61 profile image
Karenanne61

Thanks for the info. Scary but reminds us how careful we must always be.

This is a relatively old development, but action has been implemented at cf centres: the advice is that patients with any NTM can only attend certain clinics, and can only be in the last wave of patients attending (the last slot), so that rooms can be cleaned properly. Any patient with m.abcessus has to remain in their room for the entirety of any admission, only leaving to leave the hospital for fresh air.

Alberta56 profile image
Alberta56

Oh dear. I know a lady with teenage twins. both with MS

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

New treatment kills off infection that can be deadly in cystic fibrosis and other chronic lung conditions such as Bronchiectasis

A new treatment developed by researchers at Aston University and Birmingham Children's Hospital has...
2greys profile image

When Being Cystic fibrosis Carrier Can Make You As Sick As Suffer.

Well my DNA result turned up interesting fact ONE that turns out I am a carrier of CF gene...

SO Much FOR New UK 🇬🇧 USA Trade Aggremets POST Brexit Re Lung Health ..... Yup We Are Someway Down List WHEN Comes To New Drugs

Yup am talking about trikafta ... that patient’s with cf are enjoying success with when it comes to...

New drug

Just been reading up on new drug Kaftrio being used to treat Cystic Fibrosis but as a...
Blue58 profile image

I would like to know why non cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients in the UK are denied TOBI

My consultant said 'if they licensed it for you nobody would pay for it'. This is discrimination as...

Moderation team

See all
AsthmaandLung profile image
AsthmaandLungAdministrator
Claire_ALUK profile image
Claire_ALUKAdministrator
moderator_AandLUK profile image
moderator_AandLUKAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.