Abby's latest culture

[Guest guest]

Our Abby - 10 mos. old - was treated for non-mucoid PA last month

with Cipro and Tobi for 3 weeks. It was her 2nd positive for PA -

the first being when she was diagnosed in Jan. She grew none at

discharge in Jan. nor at her first clinic in March. Grew PA in May

hence the 3 week cycle. She finished this about 2 weeks ago and we

had a culture done last week at her pediatrician's office. Came back

today positive for PA (moderate growth) and heavy growth of proteus

mirabilis, whatever that is. The nurse said she hadn't heard of it

in CF much but that it was sensitive to nearly everything

(intermediate on one drug).

The interesting thing is that the three times Abby has cultured PA

the sensitivities have been different every time. Last time it was

resistant to Septra this time, Cipro. Does this indicate that Abby

is acquiring new Pseudomonas each time? If so, why is she getting

this so much? My wife and I both are clean freaks (even though we

have a 2yr old and a 6yr old along with Abby) and do all of the

practical things to prevent it like drying things well and bleaching

etc. We do live very close to a small pond. Also we just got 2

kittens for the other girls, however we keep them outdoors and

whenever Kelsi and Chloe have been petting them we make sure they're

washed up well before touching anything in the house. Abby admires

them through the window but has never touched them.

We are at a crossroads right now - unsure of what to do. If anyone

has any suggestions or ideas please let me know. Also if anyone

recognizes that proteus bug please fill me in. The nurse at our

center hadn't talked with the doctor about the culture and won't

until Monday so in the meantime we're just hanging out like good

sheep.

Thanks,

Joe Reams