Can throat swab after physiotherapy replace sputum for identification of microbial pathogens in children with cystic fibrosis?

Abstract

It is concluded that throat swab after physiotherapy in a child with CF can be used reliably for identification of lower airway pathogens.

Characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from chronically infected children with cystic fibrosis in India

“…The sputum sample was collected directly in a sterile vial after coughing. Throat swab was considered as an alternative respiratory sample and was collected from children who were either below 2 years of age or were not able to expectorate sputum [43]. …”

Exacerbations in cystic fibrosis {middle dot} 1: Epidemiology and pathogenesis

“…Oropharyngeal swabs obtained after chest physiotherapy were found to have increased sensitivity and specificity for the detection of both P aeruginosa and S aureus compared with swabs obtained before physiotherapy. 71 Hypertonic saline induction of sputum has been reported to be a good surrogate for lower airway sampling in CF. 72 73 Several studies suggest that induced sputum may be more sensitive in detecting bacteria in the lower airway than expectorated sputum and even bronchoalveolar lavage.…”

Long-term daily high and low doses of azithromycin in children with cystic fibrosis: A randomized controlled trial

“…The patient's weight was measured to the nearest 0.1 kg, and the height in centimeter to the nearest mm using a stadiometer. Spirometry was performed according to the American Thoracic Society/ERS guidelines [10] and sputum (children above 6 years of age) or cough swab (children below 6 years of age) cultures [11] was obtained. All changes in symptoms and treatment were recorded on the predesigned performa.…”