Infections

Pseudomonas aeruginosa are strains of bacteria that are widely found in the environment. Pseudomonas is a major cause of lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis. The bacteria thrive in moist environments and equipment, such as humidifiers and catheters in hospital wards, and in kitchens, bathrooms, pools, hot tubs and sinks.

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (B. cepacia) consists of different species of bacteria that are found in the natural environment. Some of these species pose serious risks to the health of a person with cystic fibrosis.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria are a group of bacteria that live in soil, swamps, and water sources.

Aspergillus species is a fungus that often lives in the airways of children and adults with cystic fibrosis. When people develop an allergic reaction to Aspergillus, it is called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria can cause an infection on the skin and in the lungs. It is resistant to several common antibiotics. But MRSA can be treated with some antibiotics, nose drops, and other therapies.

Influenza, or “the flu,” is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is caused by a virus. For people with cystic fibrosis, getting the flu may cause a worsening of symptoms and lead to a faster decline in lung function.