Cinnamon Oil Compound Can Block Bacteria from Forming

Cystic Fibrosis is a rather complex genetic disease that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs in the body. At the core of this damage is bacteria that builds up within the lungs, inflicting chronic exacerbations and a continual need for treatment. The challenge of treating cystic fibrosis is understanding the interaction among bacteria to better treat infections and to preserve lung function as much as possible.

A normal lung has a layer in its airways known as the airway surface liquid (ASL). This layer hydrates the tissue, thus allowing mucus to easily pass through. In cystic fibrosis, the ASL becomes reduced and it prevents the lungs from effectively sweeping away the mucus. The mucus, in turn, becomes trapped and gives way to an environment that allows bacteria to colonize and thrive. The bacterial growth then triggers infection, contributing to chronic inflammation and bronchiectasis. Over time, the cumulative effect of infection and chronic inflammation reduces overall lung function.

Now, a group of bacteria commonly found in lungs affected by cystic fibrosis have been identified. More specifically, staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae are common in adolescence, followed by the onset of pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia later on in adulthood. The ability to detect the presence of various species of bacteria during a chronic exacerbation is a common tool used by medical experts in order to determine the set of antibiotics best suited to treat infection.

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