In a research paper published in the international journal Nature Communications, researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered a hidden pathway for pathogenic bacteria that can lead to cystic fibrosis in the individual's lungs. This pathogenic bacteria is called Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), which is harmless to the human body, but poses a fatal threat to cystic fibrosis patients and patients with weakened immunity.
In the article, the researchers discovered a new way for Pseudomonas aeruginosa to spread and found that the bacteria can settle in the nasopharynx, which connects the back of the nose and the back of the mouth where the bacteria grow. It spreads to the lungs and causes chronic infections in individuals. Researcher JoFothergill said that the nasopharynx is used as an "arsenal" for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which helps with lung infections and even cystic fibrosis.
This study also helps explain why patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa often relapse. The bacteria are located in the nasopharynx, can quickly adapt to the new living environment, and can immediately start the "journey" of the system. The corresponding part can cause chronic infections and other diseases. In previous studies, researchers focused on the lungs, but this article showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa established infections in the upper respiratory tract earlier than chronic infections established in the lungs. This is very important for future development. Effective methods to control premature bacterial infection provide an important basis. Professor Alas Cardioglu said that understanding how bacteria grow and how they adapt to the human body will help develop more detailed treatments for these pathogenic bacteria. .. As we all know, antibiotics can be used to treat lung infections. Because it is not an effective treatment method, there is an urgent need to develop new strategies for the treatment of lung infections, especially chronic infections.