The Role Of Fungi In Cystic Fibrosis: Actors Or Bystanders? - Two Cases Report

Authors

  • Isabel Morais Ribeiro Department of Pediatrics, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4537-8332
  • Dora Fonseca Sousa Department of Pediatrics, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António
  • Ana Ascensão Matias Department of Pediatrics, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4851-0486
  • Ana Lúcia Cardoso Cystic Fibrosis Reference Center, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1575-5006
  • Telma Barbosa Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25753/BirthGrowthMJ.v35.i1.39803

Keywords:

antifungal agents, cystic fibrosis, fungi, hypersensitivity

Abstract

Introduction: Fungal infections increasingly contribute to morbidity in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Despite their rising incidence, there is considerable controversy surrounding the treatment and eradication of these infections in CF.
Case presentation: We present two CF patients: the first patient was largely asymptomatic despite intermittent detection of Scedosporium spp, while the second case experienced frequent pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) with persistent detection of both Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) and Scedosporium spp. Both patients showed improvement after initiating the modulator therapy. Case 1 achieved complete eradication of fungal colonization, while case 2 remained sensitized to A. fumigatus but experienced fewer fungal exacerbations.
Discussion: These case reports underscore the variable clinical significance of fungal infections in CF and highlight the ongoing uncertainty regarding their role in disease progression. Further research is essential to elucidate their impact on CF and develop more tailored treatment strategies.

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Published

2026-06-05

How to Cite

1.
Morais Ribeiro I, Fonseca Sousa D, Ascensão Matias A, Lúcia Cardoso A, Barbosa T. The Role Of Fungi In Cystic Fibrosis: Actors Or Bystanders? - Two Cases Report . BGMJ [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 5 [cited 2026 Jun. 6];35(1):41-6. Available from: https://revistas.rcaap.pt/bgmj/article/view/39803

Issue

Vol. 35 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Clinical Case Reports

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Copyright (c) 2026 Isabel Morais Ribeiro, Dora Fonseca Sousa, Ana Ascensão Matias, Ana Lúcia Cardoso, Telma Barbosa

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