INFECTIOUS SCREENING IN THYROID FUNCTION: INVESTIGATION OF POSSIBLE PRIMARY THYROID TUMOR UNDER INFILTRATING CERVICO-THORACIC MASS WITH OCCLUSION >90% OF THE AIRWAY LUMEN IN A FIBROCYSTIC PATIENT

Abstract

Bacteriological examination is one of the main parameters that assist in the diagnosis and management of respiratory infections in patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The microorganisms that colonize and infect cystic fibrosis patients determine treatment, quality of life, prospects for transplantation and overall survival. Accurate identification of respiratory pathogens is essential for the treatment of infection, whether as a guide to the appropriate use of antibiotics over long periods for patients with chronic bacterial infection or to the appropriate application of infection control measures. Although there is a limited spectrum of respiratory pathogens classically associated with respiratory disease in CF, an increasing number of microorganisms are being recognized as potential pathogens. The main bacteria involved in respiratory disease in CF is P.aeruginosa, which during the course of chronic infection can present phenotypic variations peculiar to cystic fibrosis patients (growth in mucoid form and in biofilm, hypermutability, loss of flagellum, etc.). Furthermore, it is important to evaluate, through bacteriological examination, possible reductions in pulmonary microbial load, especially of P. aeruginosa and BCC, since the total eradication of these pathogens is, invariably, impossible in CF.