Classical and molecular epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from patients with cystic fibrosis

• Grant number: 11/13808-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2012
• End date: July 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Ana Lúcia da Costa Darini
• Grantee: Natália Candido Caçador
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a severe and life-shortening autosomal recessive genetic disease. Mutations in the gene CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane condutance Regulator) are responsible for transmission of the disease. This gene encodes a protein that, among various functions, regulates the movement of water and ions, such as chlorine (Cl-) and sodium (Na+), by the epithelium of multiple organs. The mutation causes an interruption on the normal transfer of ions across cell membranes, leading to dehydration and increased stickiness of cell secretions. In the lungs, this results in the secretion of thicker mucus and a drastic decrease in the clearance, facilitating the chronic bacterial colonization and chronic infection. P. aeruginosa is the most commonly pathogen found in the lungs of CF patients and is responsible for morbidity and mortality in this population. In the University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil there is interest and need to know details about the bacteria isolated from pulmonary infections of patients with CF. This study aims to isolate and identify P. aeruginosa, to evaluate the ability of these isolates to form biofilms, to assess the sensitivity profile of bacteria in the biofilm compared to the major antimicrobials used to treat patients, to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of strains of P. aeruginosa mucoid and non-mucoid, to investigate virulence genotypes and to investigate genetic relationships among isolates. This study may provide data on the epidemiology and genetic relationship among isolates from CF patients. It is expected that it might contribute to improve the quality of life of CF patients in this hospital.