Does Pseudomonas aeruginosa cause cystic fibrosis?

Q: Does Pseudomonas aeruginosa cause cystic fibrosis?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of bacteria that can cause lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Infection with this bacterium does not cause CF itself; CF is a genetic disease caused by mutations inherited from a person's parents. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections can cause CF symptoms to worsen, and chronic infections can be a major driver of lung damage in CF.

Written by Marisa Wexler, MS | March 17, 2023

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Does Pseudomonas aeruginosa cause cystic fibrosis?

Category: Causes

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of bacteria that can cause lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Infection with this bacterium does not cause CF itself; CF is a genetic disease caused by mutations inherited from a person’s parents. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections can cause CF symptoms to worsen, and chronic infections can be a major driver of lung damage in CF.

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About the Author

Marisa Wexler, MS Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.