Eradication failure of newly acquired Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates in cystic fibrosis

Eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is critical in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Objectives To determine eradication success rate of newly acquired PA and to identify characteristics associated with eradication failure. Methods In an observational study, data from patients with newly acquired PA infection from 2007 to 2013 were collected. Clinical variables were compared in patients with and without successful eradication for ≥ 1 year. Results Of 183 patients out of 740 (25%) from 7 CF Centers that had newly acquired PA, eradication succeeded in 72%. Patients with the highest risk of failure had multi-resistant PA, fewer sputum cultures taken, were older, and were diagnosed at a later age. The risk of eradication failure increased by 1.3% with each year of delayed CF diagnosis; successful eradication increased by 17% with each additional sputum culture taken. Conclusions Delayed detection of PA infection leading to delayed treatment and growth of multi-resistant organisms is associated with eradication failure.