Achromobacter Infections in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Achromobacter spp. are environmental, non-fermenting Gram-negative rods increasingly recognised as opportunistic pathogens in individuals with cystic fibrosis. Airway colonisation by these organisms can evolve into chronic infection, marked by robust biofilm formation, heightened pulmonary inflammation and frequent exacerbations. The pathogen’s capacity for intrinsic and adaptive antimicrobial resistance poses considerable therapeutic challenges, often necessitating prolonged and combination antibiotic regimens. Genomic analyses have unveiled rapid within-host evolution, with mutations affecting virulence factors, resistance determinants and metabolic pathways that facilitate persistence in the viscous, nutrient-rich CF lung environment. Epidemiological data reveal regional variability in prevalence and occasional patient-to-patient transmission, underlining the importance of precise species identification and stringent infection control. Advances in diagnostic techniques, including molecular assays and whole-genome sequencing, are enhancing early detection, while emerging studies on biofilm disruption and immune-modulatory strategies promise to improve clinical outcomes.

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Achromobacter Infections in Cystic Fibrosis Patients publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in achromobacter infections in cystic fibrosis patients across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Type III secretion system (T3SS): A needle-like bacterial apparatus that injects effector proteins into host cells to modulate immune responses and promote infection.

Pyroptosis: A form of pro-inflammatory programmed cell death triggered by caspase-mediated cleavage of gasdermin proteins, leading to cell lysis and cytokine release.

Inflammasome: A multi-protein complex within innate immune cells that senses pathogenic motifs and activates inflammatory caspases, driving cytokine maturation and pyroptosis.

Biofilm: A structured community of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular matrix, conferring enhanced resistance to antibiotics and host defences.

Siderophore: A small, high-affinity iron-chelating molecule secreted by bacteria to scavenge iron from the environment, essential for microbial growth and virulence.

References

1. The Achromobacter type 3 secretion system drives pyroptosis and immunopathology via independent activation of NLRC4 and NLRP3 inflammasomes. Cell Reports (2023).
2. In Vivo Inflammation Caused by Achromobacter spp. Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Isolates Exhibiting Different Pathogenic Characteristics. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
3. Prevalence and variability of siderophore production in the Achromobacter genus. Microbiology Spectrum (2024).