Microbiota of the Respiratory Flora in Children With Cystic Fibrosis During the First Year of Life

The goal of this study is characterize the changes in bacterial diversity of the upper
respiratory tracts of infants with cystic fibrosis (CF). Another goal is to determine when
CF patients become colonized with pathogenic bacteria that are responsible for the lethal
lung damage in children with CF. Ten subjects will be recruited into the study. Throat swabs
will be collected at 6-8 weeks of age, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months of age in
order to chart any changes in the bacterial populations of the respiratory tract. Clinical
data will also be collected to evaluate the possible influence of external factors on
changes in the microbial communities. This study will provide preliminary data on whether
probiotics can eradicate the colonization of the respiratory tract by pathogenic bacteria.