Eradication therapy for P. aeruginosa in adults with bronchiectasis

In adults with bronchiectasis, the presence of P. aeruginosa in the airways is associated with more frequent exacerbations, increased risk of hospitalisation and higher mortalityFinch, 2015. Seek expert advice on the first occasion P. aeruginosa is identified.

It has been hypothesised that eradication of newly identified P. aeruginosa may be beneficial in adults with bronchiectasis, but randomised controlled trials to support this practice are lacking. Therefore, it is not appropriate to treat P. aeruginosa in a clinically stable patient because this promotes the development of antibiotic resistance.