Seasonal respiratory virus testing in management of adult cystic fibrosis patients

Respiratory Viruses and Cystic Fibrosis

The threat of respiratory virus infection to human health and well-being has been clearly highlighted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. For people with cystic fibrosis (CF), the clinical significance of viral infections long predated the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. This article reviews the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of respiratory virus infection in the context of CF as well as the current understanding of interactions between viruses and other microorganisms in the CF lung. The incidence of respiratory virus infection in CF varies by age with young children typically experiencing more frequent episodes than adolescents and adults. At all ages, respiratory viruses are very common in CF and are associated with pulmonary exacerbations. Respiratory viruses are identified at up to 69% of exacerbations, while viruses are also frequently detected during clinical stability. The full impact of COVID-19 in CF is yet to be established. Early studies found that rates of COVID-19 were lower in CF cohorts than in the general population. The reasons for this are unclear but may be related to the effects of shielding, infection control practices, maintenance CF therapies, or the inflammatory milieu in the CF lung. Observational studies have consistently identified that prior solid organ transplantation is a key risk factor for poor outcomes from COVID-19 in CF. Several key priorities for future research are highlighted. First, the impact of highly effective CFTR modulator therapy on the epidemiology and pathophysiology of viral infections in CF requires investigation. Second, the impact of respiratory viruses on the development and dynamics of the CF lung microbiota is poorly understood and viral infection may have important interactions with bacteria and fungi in the airway. Finally, bacteriophages represent a key focus of future investigation both for their role in transmission of antimicrobial resistance and as a promising treatment modality for multiresistant pathogens.

Infection control in cystic fibrosis: evolving perspectives and challenges

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews the impact of some of the most recent changes in clinical care management in cystic fibrosis on infection prevention practice and advice for people with cystic fibrosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

People with cystic fibrosis (CF) consistently highlight infection control as one of their major concerns. Infection prevention guidance and practice has facilitated successful decreases in rates of many transmissible CF pathogens. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic highlighted the clinical significance of respiratory viral infections and has accelerated the implementation of remote monitoring and telemedicine consultations as standard practice in CF. The continued improvement in health of the CF population is being further augmented by the introduction of new therapies, in particular cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulators. Infection prevention will remain pertinent to CF care, but these recent changes in clinical practice will have ongoing implications for infection prevention guidance in CF.

SUMMARY

Recent changes in CF clinical care have implications that will lead to further evolution of infection control practice and advice.