Molecular epidemiological surveillance of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates in a pediatric population of patients with cystic fibrosis and determination of risk factors for infection with the Houston-1 strain.

Multiyear molecular epidemiological surveillance of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MRPA) in a pediatric cystic fibrosis care center identified an endemic MRPA strain (Houston-1). Recent hospitalization was found to be a statistically significant risk factor for acquisition of the endemic strain. Multiple infection control improvements led to the reduced incidence of the Houston-1 strain in the CF population.