ABSTRACT
I. Introduction Infection prevention and control practices for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are unique to this patient population; more expansive than transmission-based precautions; and pose challenges for hospital staff, families, and patients. In 2003, the consensus document, “Infection control recommendations for patients with cystic fibrosis: microbiology, important pathogens, and infection control practices to prevent patient-to-patient transmission,” was published (1). Experts in the field of CF and infection prevention and control developed these evidenced-based recommendations that are aimed at reducing the transmission of infectious organisms to and between CF patients. These guidelines give detailed recommendations about interrupting transmission of pathogenic organisms to CF patients from other patients, contaminated equipment, or the hospital environment. These recommendations address risks associated with multiple environments and stress compliance with existing infection control guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) as essential to prevention of cross-transmission of potential pathogens between patients, and form the basis for much of this chapter.
