Psoter KJ, et al. – The present study’s objective was to determine whether PM_2.5 exposure is a risk factor for acquisition of other respiratory pathogens in young children with cystic fibrosis (CF). The results indicated that fine particulate matter was an independent risk factor for initial methicillin–resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) acquisition in young children with CF. The findings suggested that air pollution contributes to pulmonary morbidities in the CF community.

Methods

• In this investigation, the researchers conducted a retrospective study of initial acquisition of methicillin susceptible and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Achromobacter xylosoxidans in U.S. children <6 years of age with CF utilizing the CF Foundation Patient Registry, 2003–2009.
• Multivariable Weibull regression with interval-censored outcomes was utilized to assess the relationship of PM_2.5 concentration in the year prior to birth and risk of acquisition of each organism.

Results

• The analysis in this study showed that during follow-up 63%, 17%, 24%, and 5% of children acquired MSSA, MRSA, S. maltophilia, and A. xylosoxidans, respectively.
• The findings revealed a 10 μ g/m³ increase in PM_2.5 exposure was related to a 68% increased risk of MRSA acquisition (Hazard Ratio: 1.68; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.24, 2.27).
• According to the findings obtained, PM_2.5 was not correlated with acquisition of other respiratory pathogens.