Summary
This narrative review synthesises recent evidence on Mycobacterium abscessus as an emerging pathogen in cystic fibrosis patients worldwide. The authors characterise the pathogen's virulence mechanisms, including morphological strain transitions and biofilm formation, its intrinsic drug resistance, and evidence of human-to-human transmission. The review examines conventional multiyear antibiotic regimens and discusses emerging alternative therapeutic strategies including phage therapy and β-lactamase inhibitors.
Regional applicability
Findings are relevant to UK respiratory medicine and CF specialist centres, as M. abscessus infection occurs among CF patients in the United Kingdom. The review's synthesis of treatment strategies and resistance mechanisms may inform clinical management protocols and inform consideration of novel therapeutics within NHS commissioning.
Key measures
Pathogenic mechanisms (glycopeptidolipid and trehalose dimycolate production, cording formation), lung function decline, drug resistance mechanisms, CFTR dysfunction role in immune control (zebrafish model), and therapeutic efficacy of alternative treatment strategies
Outcomes reported
The study characterised M. abscessus pathogenesis in cystic fibrosis patients, including strain morphology transitions, biofilm formation, human-to-human transmission patterns, and intrinsic drug resistance mechanisms. It reviewed emerging therapeutic approaches including phage therapy and β-lactamase inhibitors in preclinical and clinical development.
Topic tags
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