UCalgary researchers outline new approach to treating cystic fibrosis

By Jordanna Heller
Posted September 25, 2008

Ian MacKay says the new CF treatment developed at the University of Calgary has improved his life.: Photo by Jonathan TamResearchers at the University of Calgary have found a new method of fighting severe lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), reducing the severity of their infections and improving their quality of life. The findings are published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science USA.

Communities of bacteria grow in the lungs of people with CF. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium found in these communities and is often associated with severe lung infections. P. aeruginosa represents a constant and ever present threat to the health of people with CF.

"The more often patients get these acute infections, the more quickly their lungs and health deteriorate," says Michael Surette, PhD, a researcher at the Faculty of Medicine.

His team led by graduate student Chris Sibley, working with Dr. Harvey Rabin and the Calgary Adult CF Clinic, have investigated the complex community of microorganisms infecting CF patients.  

Their research has found that a group of previously overlooked and often undetected bacteria, the Streptococcus milleri group (SMG), contribute to hospitalizations and can heighten the danger of P. aeruginosa.

Currently, doctors treat P. aeruginosa with antibiotics but the bacterium is increasingly becoming resistant to treatment. Surette's research shows that simply targeting SMG disrupts the bacterial community, helping patients heal more quickly and suffer from fewer acute infections.

Treatment tested at the Foothills Medical Centre

Dr. Rabin has successfully tested this new approach at the Adult CF Clinic at Foothills Medical Centre, with patients admitted to hospital with severe lung infections. People treated with SMG-targeted therapies quickly returned to a stable state. Researchers looked at the 130 people treated at the CF Clinic over the past two years. 

"This is important new information," says Surette. "In our patient group, the laboratory findings have been used to guide treatment, with positive results."

Ian McKay is a 33-year-old patient at the clinic. He says the new treatment has changed his life. "Typically I used to take a month to get healthy, now I'm out of the hospital in 10 days. The biggest impact on my life is piece of mind and confidence. I can have a quick dose of antibiotics and I'm back up to level."

The Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation funded this study. Cathleen Morrison, the foundation's CEO says, "These findings underline the importance of supporting CF research. In this case, laboratory research has been translated rapidly into actual treatment, helping people with cystic fibrosis fight back against aggressive infections."

This is the kind of translational research at UCalgary's Faculty of Medicine that highlights the strengths in ensuring research discoveries have a practical and tangible application-the concept of bench to bedside.

Michael Surette, PhD, is a member of the Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation. He is also a professor in the departments of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Medicine, an Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) Scientist, and a Canada Research Chair in Microbial Gene Expression.

Download background information about Cystic Fibrosis (PDF format).

About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary

The U of C's Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs, and close relationship with the Calgary Health Region, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.

If you like this story and think others should read about it--why not spread the word!? Use the links below to let others know!

Digg it! | Reddit.com | del.icio.us | facebook