Effect of Estrogen on Pseudomonas Mucoidy and Exacerbations in Cystic Fibrosis

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis. In this report, data suggest that estrogen may play a role in the modulation of virulence factors in P. aeruginosa and thus affect clinical exacerbations in women with cystic fibrosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative opportunistic pathogen associated with cystic fibrosis, 1 a multisystem genetic disease characterized by defects in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, which results in recurrent infective exacerbations. Median overall survival among patients with cystic fibrosis in the United States is 39 years, although a sexual dichotomy persists in disease severity, 2 – 4 with women having a survival disadvantage and poorer lung function. 5 – 7 The Republic of Ireland has the highest incidence and carrier rate of cystic fibrosis worldwide 8 and a survival disadvantage for women. 9 Patients with cystic fibrosis become colonized and infected with nonmucoid P. . . .