Success story for cystic fibrosis treatment has downside

Tracy Samilton — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:53:54 +0000

A new study says aggressively treating lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients works – but only for awhile.

Dr. John LiPuma of the University of Michigan says people with C-F live longer, healthier lives now because of antibiotics.

But, after a while, the drugs kill off more benign bacteria. That allows drug-resistent bacteria to flourish.

Eventually, there’s nothing doctors can do for their C-F patients who develop bacterial lung infections.

Human Microbiome Project