Superbug complicates treatment of infections in cystic fibrosis

Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 13:49 in Health & Medicine

The unexpected behaviour of a family of 'superbugs' called the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) could have implications for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. CF patients produce large quantities of sticky mucus in their lungs that is difficult to expel and is easily infected by bacteria. A recent treatment for CF, inhalation of a sugar called mannitol, works by attracting moisture into the lungs. This thins the mucus making it easier to disperse...

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