<i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa In Vitro</i> Phenotypes Distinguish Cystic Fibrosis Infection Stages and Outcomes

Abstract

In this large epidemiologic study of CF P. aeruginosa adaptation, P. aeruginosa isolates exhibited two in vitro phenotypes that best distinguished early and later infection stages. Among the many phenotypes tested, mucoidy and reduced twitching best predicted subsequent PE. These phenotypes indicate potentially useful prognostic markers of transition to chronic infection and advancing lung disease.