Volatile molecules present in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples from cystic fibrosis patients may help identify those infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

The study, “Volatile molecules from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid can ‘rule-in’ Pseudomonas aeruginosa and ‘rule-out’ Staphylococcus aureus infections in cystic fibrosis patients,” appeared in the journal Scientific Reports.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common bacterial species found in the airways of CF adults, and Staphylococcus aureus is among the most common bacteria found in children with cystic fibrosis. “Clinical best practice, as defined by the CF Foundation Pulmonary Guidelines, is to routinely surveil CF patients for new or recurring P. aeruginosa infections and initiate antibiotic eradication therapy at first detection, in an effort to prevent chronic infection and preserve lung function,” researchers wrote.