Ten years of viral and non-bacterial serology in adults with cystic fibrosis

Epidemiol Infect. 2008 Jan;136(1):128-34. doi: 10.1017/S0950268807008278. Epub 2007 Mar 12.

Abstract

Viral infections are associated with pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis (CF), but few studies have addressed the frequency in adults. This paper investigates the frequency and impact of viral infections in adults with CF receiving intravenous antibiotics. Pre- and post-treatment spirometry, inflammatory markers and antibody titres against influenza A, influenza B, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci, and Coxiella burnetti were analysed over a 10-year period. Non-bacterial infections were identified in 5.1% of 3156 courses of treatment. The annual incidence of admissions per patient associated with viral infection was 4.9%. The presence of viral infection in association with a pulmonary exacerbation did not adversely affect lung function or inflammatory markers in the short term. Adults with CF have a lower incidence of respiratory viral infections associated with pulmonary exacerbations requiring intravenous antibiotics compared to children and infants with CF.

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / immunology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Chlamydophila psittaci / isolation & purification
  • Coxiella / isolation & purification
  • Cystic Fibrosis / complications*
  • England / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / immunology
  • Influenza B virus / immunology
  • Male
  • Medical Records
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae / immunology
  • Prevalence
  • Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / immunology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / blood
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / complications
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / drug therapy
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / epidemiology*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / microbiology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / virology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Spirometry

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antibodies, Viral