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Microbiology Society logo Microbiology

Volume 171, Issue 4

The impact of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators on the pulmonary microbiota Open Access

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapy has significantly changed the course of the disease in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) (pwCF). The approved triple therapy of elexacaftor, tezacaftor and ivacaftor (ETI), commercially known as Trikafta, increases CFTR channel function, leading to improvements in sweat chloride concentration, exercise capacity, body mass index, lung function and chronic respiratory symptoms. Because of this, the majority of pwCF are living longer and having fewer CF exacerbations. However, colonization with the common CF respiratory pathogens persists and remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Here, we review the current literature on the effect of ETI on the respiratory microbiota and discuss the challenges in addressing CF lung infections in the era of these new life-extending therapies.

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Keyword(s): cystic fibrosis , cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators , elexacaftor, tezacaftor and ivacaftor (ETI) , highly effective modulator therapy , microbiology , respiratory infections , sputum cultures and Trikafta
© 2025 The Authors
  • This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.
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2025-04-09
2025-12-16

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/content/journal/micro/10.1099/mic.0.001553
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The impact of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators on the pulmonary microbiota
Microbiology 171, 001553 (2025); https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.001553
/content/journal/micro/10.1099/mic.0.001553
/content/journal/micro/10.1099/mic.0.001553
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