People with CF are susceptible to a range of bacterial infections which can reduce lung function and, ultimately, reduce life expectancy. In order to stay infection-free, they receive a regular course of intravenous antibiotics, generally delivered in hospital.

However, the rise in antibiotic-resistant infections, such as MRSA, and the ongoing problems with bacteria such as cepacia and pseudomonas means that more and better antibiotics need to be found. We continue to fund research into understanding these bacteria and finding better ways of combating them.

Among the research we are currently funding is:

• A study to look at the impact of diabetes on the microbiology of cystic fibrosis lung disease (University of Exeter)
• A study to define virulence genes and therapeutic targets in Burkholderia multivorans (Cardiff University)