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Research

Mucus hyperconcentration in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is marked by increases in both mucin and DNA concentration. Additionally, it has been shown that half of the mucins present in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid from preschool-aged CF patients are present in as non-swellable mucus flakes.

Research

In children, chronic wet cough may be a sign of underlying lung disease, including protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) and bronchiectasis. Chronic (> 4 weeks in duration) wet cough (without indicators pointing to alternative causes) that responds to antibiotic treatment is diagnostic of PBB. Timely recognition and management of PBB can prevent disease progression to irreversible bronchiectasis with lifelong consequences. However, detection and management require timely health-seeking by carers and effective management by clinicians.

Research

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa phages Kara-mokiny 1, Kara-mokiny 2, and Kara-mokiny 3. These phages have lytic capabilities against P. aeruginosa and belong to the myovirus morphotype. The genomes of Kara-mokiny 1 and Kara-mokiny 2 are 67,075 bp while that of Kara-mokiny 3 is 66,019 bp long.

Research

Pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis are characterized by airway inflammation and may cause irreversible lung damage. Early identification of such exacerbations may facilitate early initiation of treatment, thereby potentially reducing long-term morbidity. Research question: Is it possible to predict pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis, using inflammatory markers obtained from BAL fluid?

Research

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by small airway disease; but central airways may also be affected. We hypothesized that airway resistance estimated from computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methodology in infants with CF was higher than controls and that early airway inflammation in infants with CF is associated with airway resistance.

Research

The study of the respiratory microbiota has revealed that the lungs of healthy and diseased individuals harbour distinct microbial communities. Imbalances in these communities can contribute to the pathogenesis of lung disease. How these imbalances occur and establish is largely unknown. This review is focused on the genetically inherited condition of Cystic Fibrosis.

Research

In recent years the study of the commensal microbiota is driving a remarkable paradigm shift in our understanding of human physiology. However, intrinsic technical difficulties associated with investigating the Microbiomics of some body niches are hampering the development of new knowledge. This is particularly the case when investigating the functional role played by the human microbiota in modulating the physiology of key organ systems. A major hurdle in investigating specific Microbiome communities is linked to low bacterial density and susceptibility to bias caused by environmental contamination.

Research

Preterm birth is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, particularly due to lung disease. Low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) have the highest rates of preterm birth. Infants born extremely preterm rarely survive, so the largest burden is amongst moderate-to-late preterm (MLP) infants. The long-term health impact on MLP children in LMIC is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of MLP birth on lung function trajectories from birth to 5 years in the Drakenstein Child Health Study.

Research

Persistent bacterial lung infections in children lead to significant morbidity and mortality due to antibiotic resistance. In this paper, we describe how phage therapy has shown remarkable efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies, demonstrating significant therapeutic benefits through various administration routes. 

News & Events

Congratulations to Dr Montgomery, Dr Iosifidis and Dr D’Vaz on winning the Wal-yan Centre's inaugural seed funding competition.