Infection prevention and control in cystic fibrosis: a systematic review of interventions

Nicola J. Rowbotham, Sally C. Palser, Sherie J. Smith, Alan R. Smyth*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)
11 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Introduction: Cystic fibrosis is a life-limiting genetic condition characterized by recurrent pulmonary infection. Acquisition of infection can occur from environmental reservoirs, person-to-person transmission and from the healthcare environment. Primary prevention of infections through infection prevention and control measures is an important strategy in cystic fibrosis care.

Areas covered: Here we present a systematic review of the evidence base around infection prevention and control in cystic fibrosis. We found 36 studies and 7 guidelines that met our inclusion criteria. Strategies covered include cohort segregation, individual segregation, hand hygiene, facemasks, combination strategies, equipment strategies, and adherence. Quality of evidence overall was deemed low or very low. Most guideline recommendations have little or no evidence to support them.

Expert opinion: Although low quality, there is an abundance of evidence suggesting segregation is beneficial in reducing pathogen spread. Undertaking high-quality studies may, therefore, be ethically challenging. Large-scale registry studies may provide a better strategy for answering questions on the efficacy of infection control policy. With the rise of antibiotic resistance, effective eradication of cystic fibrosis pathogens is becoming more difficult so primary prevention through infection control will become increasingly important over the coming years.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)425-434
Number of pages10
JournalExpert Review of Respiratory Medicine
Volume13
Issue number5
Early online date26 Mar 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 04 May 2019
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
N J Rowbotham is supported by a NIHR funded fellowship. A R Smyth has provided consultancy for Vertex and has taken part in clinical trials sponsored by Vertex, Raptor and Insmed. He has given lectures at meetings sponsored by Vertex. S C Palser is funded by an NIHR grant (PB-PG-0213-30055). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019, © 2019 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Keywords

  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • infection prevention and control
  • systematic review

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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