Microbiological data of cystic fibrosis patients in a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

To determine the microbiological patterns of cystic fibrosis patients in a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia and their relation to mortality. Material and Aretrospective review of records of all confirmed Cystic Fibrosis [CF] patients followed up during the period November 1992 - November 1998. Of 96 CF patients, 81 [84%] patients are alive, whereas 15 [16%] have died. Fifty patients [52%] were male and 46 [48%], female. The most common bacteria that were grown from the first culture samples were Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 42 [44%] patients, Hemophilus influenzae in 16 [17%], Staphylococcus aureus in 15 [15%], Streptococcus pneumoniae in 6 [6%], methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] in 4 [4%], and Branhamella catarrhalis in 6 [6%]. Follow up culture after 1-6 months of treatment showed an increase of Branhamella catarrhalis culture to 13 [13%] [p=0.03], and MRSA to 6 [6%] [p = 0.02]. Patients in whom Pseudomonas aeruginosa developed resistance to gentamicin, had the shortest lifespan [2 +/- 3 years] after initial diagnosis. The most important factor that was significantly related to early mortality in CF patients was the early development of antibiotic resistance [p value < 0.01]. Early development of Pseudomonasaeruginosa colonization and of other multi-resistant organisms, contributes significantly to early mortality. Cohort isolation should be encouraged in CF centers. Early treatment of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization should be adopted to improve survival