Cross-sectional and longitudinal multilocus sequence typing of pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis sputum samples.

Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) is a genetic typing tool designed to provide information about the relatedness of isolates at the core genome level. The utility of MLST in regard to cystic fibrosis (CF)-related infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is unknown. The molecular clock speed of the MLST genes was studied using 219 colonies isolated longitudinally from 49 patients with CF.

Association between hypermutator phenotype, clinical variables, mucoid phenotype, and antimicrobial resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The presence of hypermutator Pseudomonas aeruginosa was associated with poorer lung function in patients at the Adult West Midlands CF Unit. Mucoid isolates were more likely to be hypermutators. The presence of resistant mutant subpopulations was associated with hypermutator phenotype but was not good enough to be used as a test for this phenotype.

Elucidating global epidemiology of Burkholderia multivorans in cases of cystic fibrosis by multilocus sequence typing.

Burkholderia multivorans is a prominent B. cepacia complex (BCC) species causing infection in people with cystic fibrosis. Despite infection control measures being introduced to reduce the spread of BCC there is a continued emergence of infections by B.

Environmental Burkholderia cepacia complex isolates in human infections.

Members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), found in many environments, are associated with clinical infections. Examining diverse species and strains from different environments with multilocus sequence typing, we identified > 20% of 381 clinical isolates as indistinguishable from those in the environment. This finding links the natural environment with the emergence of many Bcc infections.

Reliability of multilocus sequence typing of the Burkholderia cepacia complex in cystic fibrosis.

Introduction: Infection with the Burkholderia cepacia complex is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF). We investigated the molecular clock speed of the seven genes used in the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme for these bacteria.

Methods: At least two isolates, separated by months to years, from each of 20 patients were typed using MLST.

Cross-infection in cystic fibrosis: the knowledge and behaviour of adult patients.

Introduction: The knowledge and behaviour of adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) regarding cross-infection are ill understood.

Methods: A questionnaire was designed to investigate this at the West Midlands Adult CF Centre.

Results: 94 patients completed the questionnaire.