T097. Understanding the Increasing Complexity of the Microbiology of Chronic Infection in Cystic Fibrosis
Date: June 2, 2010
Speaker: Peter Gilligan

Summary of Session: This teleconference will review a select group of micro-organisms is responsible for chronic lung infection which is the hallmark of cystic fibrosis. In this teleconference, we will first discuss the typical disease course in CF patients, and the strategies which are being used to try to reverse it including the role of the clinical microbiology laboratory in this process. We will then specifically talk about the organisms that are most frequently associated with CF lung disease and how to best isolate, identify, and perform susceptibility testing on them.

Objectives: Upon completion of this Teleconference, participants should be able to:

• Compare different isolation media that are used for culturing for specific organisms in the respiratory secretion of CF patients.
• List the key organisms in CF lung disease and describe how they might be best detected/ identified.
• Explain strategies for determining whether an organism is likely to be an emerging pathogen in CF patients.
• Compare different susceptibility test methods and determine whether they are useful in the management of CF patients.
• Determine how best to report results of CF cultures with the clinicians with whom they work.

Intended Audience: This teleconference is intended primarily for clinical/medical microbiologists involved in detecting microbial pathogens involved in chronic lung infection in cystic fibrosis patients. It may also be of interest to individuals involved in translational research related to the development of novel strategies for the detecting or treating agents of chronic lung disease in cystic fibrosis patients. Most likely to be of interest for Division C members.

CME Disclosures: The Presenter has nothing to disclose.

Termination of CME Credit: This program will not be eligible for CME credit after June 2, 2011