Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is the most common lethal inherited disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance. Major progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to increased susceptibility to Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization. Persistent respiratory infection with P. aeruginosa leads to progressive pulmonary inflammation and is the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Treatment and prophylaxis of respiratory infection has improved the median survival and quality of life of cystic fibrosis patients. In the future, treatment of the underlying genetic defect may be possible. Curr Opin Infect Dis 15:175-182. (C) 2002 Lippincott Williams Wilkins.