Role of Toxins in Lung Infections Caused by Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

Some bacteria that cause disease can produce toxic substances that may worsen the disease. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacteria that can produce a variety of toxins and is of special interest for patients with cystic fibrosis and repeated long term lung infections. The goal of this study is to determine whether specific toxins produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa may be important in the disease process of chronic lung infections of patients with cystic fibrosis. This study will attempt to measure bacterial production of toxins in blood and sputum and immune system response to toxins in the blood....