Nearly 50 Percent of Adults With Cystic Fibrosis are Infected by Fungi

A major finding by a medical student reveals that nearly 50 percent of adults with cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disorder, are also infected with the fungus aspergillus.

The finding, by medical student Jo Armstead at the University of Manchester, is a major breakthrough for the treatment and diagnosis of cystic fibrosis  and what is more surprising  is that the discovery was made through diligent hard work by a  third-year medical student.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life threatening genetic disease that affects the lungs as well as digestive system of adults.

The finding is based on the analysis of data from 30 countries. The researcher noticed that half of the 75,000 people with the genetic disorder were over 18 years, and nearly 50 percent of these were infected with the fungus.

Professor Denning, Director of the NHS National Aspergillosis Centre and Professor of Infectious Diseases in Global Health in the Faculty's Institute of Inflammation and Repair explained: "The life expectancy of people with CF has been increasing, but aspergillosis has a major negative impact on many. By painstakingly crunching the numbers, Jo has helped us better understand the scale of the challenge which will lead to better diagnostics and treatment strategies. There will be many patients who over the coming years will be grateful to Jo and her work."

The fungus aspergillosis, leads to airway infection, bronchitis as well as an allergy called ABPA. This starts during childhood and worsens in later teenage years. This is generally treated by using oral steroids or antifungal therapy, but their efficacy has noticeably diminished due to antifungal resistance.

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in the U.S. there are nearly 30,000 children as well as adults suffering from the disease.

The finding will be documented in the journal PLOS One.