The microbiome of incident CF Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections

This study aimed at investigating whether the composition of the cystic fibrosis sputum microbiota is linked to susceptibility to developing incident airway infections with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and the subsequent microbiological outcomes associated with infection. To achieve this, we harnessed a comprehensive sputum biobank containing sputum samples from persons with cystic fibrosis attending the Calgary Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic. Our investigation encompassed an examination of the microbiome within CF sputum samples taken both prior to, during, and after the onset of incident S. maltophilia infection. These profiles were then compared to those of age and sex-matched CF controls negative for S. maltophilia infection. The primary objectives of this research were 1) To elucidate potential associations between the composition of the CF sputum microbiome and the acquisition of S. maltophilia infection. And 2) To assess the risk of persistence associated with S. maltophilia infection. This study seeks to uncover the microbiological intricacies that play a pivotal role in the development and outcome of S. maltophilia infections within the context of cystic fibrosis. This work highlights the potential of CF sputum microbiome analysis as a future clinical tool to improve infection diagnosis and management in persons with cystic fibrosis.