Early treatment with inhaled antibiotics postpones next occurrence of Achromobacter in cystic fibrosis

Abstract Objectives In this nationwide retrospective study, we analysed species distribution, antimicrobial susceptibility and time to next occurrence of Achromobacter in Danish cystic fibrosis (CF) patients from 2000 to 2011. Methods Thirty-four primary isolates were identified to species level and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Effectiveness of early antimicrobial treatment was assessed by a Kaplan–Meier estimation of time to recurrence. Results Achromobacter xylosoxidans accounted for 13 (38%) of the isolates, and an unnamed species accounted for 11 (32%) of the isolates. Meropenem, piperacillin–tazobactam and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole were highly active against chemotherapy-naïve Achromobacter , while ceftazidime, colistin and tobramycin were judged adequate for inhalation therapy. Fifty-five percent of 25 patients treated with inhaled ceftazidime, colistin, or tobramycin remained free of Achromobacter three years after acquisition, in contrast to 17% of 22 patients who did not receive inhaled antibiotics (P < 0.01). Conclusions Early treatment with inhaled antibiotics may prevent or postpone chronic infection with Achromobacter in CF patients.