Primary ciliary dyskinesia patients have the same P. aeruginosa clone in sinuses and lungs

Similar to patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF bronchiectasis, patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) are prone to recurrent or chronic lung infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( Pa ). Chronic Pa lung infection has a prevalence of up to 39% in patients with PCD [1] and is associated with structural damage affecting lung function. Treatment of Pa infection is challenging because Pa adapts to the host environment through genotypic/phenotypic changes, promoting a reduced immune response [2]. We have previously found that the paranasal sinuses in patients with CF act as bacterial reservoirs where Pa adapts and recolonises Pa- eradicated lungs [3, 4]. Our group has also reported Pa positive cultures from the upper and lower airways, of patients with PCD [5]. However, it was unclear whether the paranasal sinuses of patients with PCD also act as bacterial reservoirs. We are investigating whether the same Pa clone type colonises both the paranasal sinuses and the lungs, and the extent to which Pa adapts to the host environment via genotypic/phenotypic changes. Footnotes This manuscript has recently been accepted for publication in the European Respiratory Journal . It is published here in its accepted form prior to copyediting and typesetting by our production team. After these production processes are complete and the authors have approved the resulting proofs, the article will move to the latest issue of the ERJ online. Please open or download the PDF to view this article. Conflict of interest: Dr. Arndal reports grants from Candys Foundation, grants from Copenhagen University Hospital/Rigshospitalet Found , during the conduct of the study. Conflict of interest: Dr. Johansen has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Dr. Haagensen has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Dr. Bartell has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Dr. Marvig has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Dr. Alanin has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Dr. Aanaes has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Dr. Hoiby has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Dr. Nielsen has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Dr. Backer has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Dr. von Buchwald has nothing to disclose.