Cytomegalovirus-associated pulmonary exacerbation in patients with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disease characterised by recurrent respiratory tract infections and progressive respiratory failure. It remains one of the most common life-threatening autosomal recessive conditions affecting Caucasians. Recent studies have highlighted the association between respiratory viral infections and frequency of pulmonary exacerbations, increase antibiotic usage and poorer outcome [1, 2].

Cytomegalovirus: an unrecognised potential contributor to cystic fibrosis disease progression?

“…We would advocate for prospective longitudinal studies of cystic fibrosis populations to assess factors associated with incident infections and seroconversion, in order to determine whether acquisition of CMV infection is associated with change in disease status and how infection duration correlates with clinical outcomes. Indeed, a case series of three individuals experiencing exacerbations in the context of CMV seroconversion was recently published [18]. Finally, exploring the role of CMV reactivation/viraemia and its association with exacerbation occurrence and recovery and rates of lung function decline is important, as demonstrated by efforts currently underway to explore CMV pathogenesis in intensive care units [19].…”