Can lung infection be cured
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Can Lung Infection Be Cured?
Lung infections are a significant health concern, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and those with pre-existing lung conditions. The treatment and potential cure of lung infections depend on various factors, including the type of infection, the patient's overall health, and the presence of drug-resistant pathogens.
Treatment of Pulmonary Infections in Immunocompromised Patients
Immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplantation, are particularly vulnerable to severe lung infections. These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi, with bacteria being the most common culprits 6. In some cases, infections caused by drug-resistant microorganisms or those for which no effective drugs exist may require surgical intervention. For instance, Aspergillus infections, which are resistant to many antimicrobial agents, often necessitate surgical resection 1. Similarly, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and nontubercular mycobacterial infections may also require surgical lung resection for effective treatment 1.
Challenges in Treating Mycobacterial Lung Infections
Mycobacterial infections, such as those caused by Mycobacterium xenopi and Mycobacterium abscessus, present unique challenges. Treatment response can be unpredictable, and the prognosis with drug treatment alone is often poor. In a study of patients with Mycobacterium xenopi infections, only 23% were cured with chemotherapy, while others required surgical resection for a successful outcome 2. Similarly, Mycobacterium abscessus infections in lung transplant recipients are difficult to manage, but prolonged combination antimicrobial therapy and surgical debridement can lead to successful treatment in some cases 8.
Integrative Approaches to Treatment
Integrative approaches combining Western and traditional Chinese medicine have shown promise in treating severe lung infections, particularly in post-kidney-transplant patients. This approach has been associated with increased cure rates and reduced mortality 4. The use of integrative treatments, including antibiotics, respiratory support, and traditional Chinese medicinal prescriptions, has demonstrated significant improvements in clinical outcomes 4.
Quality of Life as a Treatment Goal
For some lung infections, particularly those with low cure rates, improving the patient's quality of life may be a more realistic treatment goal. In patients with Mycobacterium abscessus group lung infections, significant improvements in quality of life were observed following treatment, even if complete eradication of the infection was not achieved 3. This highlights the importance of considering patient-centered outcomes in the management of chronic lung infections.
The Role of the Lung Microbiota
Recent advances in our understanding of the lung microbiota have opened new avenues for managing lung infections. The recognition that the lungs are populated with microorganisms, similar to other mucosal surfaces, suggests that traditional therapeutic strategies may need to be re-evaluated. Molecular analyses of the lung microbiota are revealing the adverse effects of widespread antibiotic use and may lead to more targeted and effective treatments 5.
Conclusion
While many lung infections can be cured with appropriate antimicrobial therapy, certain infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients or those caused by drug-resistant pathogens, may require surgical intervention. Integrative treatment approaches and a focus on improving quality of life are also important considerations. Advances in our understanding of the lung microbiota may further enhance the diagnosis and treatment of lung infections in the future.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
[Pulmonary infection in immunocompromised hosts].
Surgical lung resection is necessary for three types of pulmonary infections: immunocompromised patients, those with acquired resistance to medication, and those caused by microorganisms against which no effective drugs exist.
Case ReportPulmonary infection with mycobacterium xenopi: review of treatment and response.
Pulmonary infection caused by Mycobacterium xenopi responds poorly to treatment, with resection potentially being a first-line treatment option for patients who fail to respond to initial chemotherapy or relapse.
Highly CitedImprovement in Quality of Life after Therapy for Mycobacterium abscessus Group Lung Infection. A Prospective Cohort Study.
Quality of life improvement in Mycobacterium abscessus group lung infection patients is a sensitive indicator of treatment response and can guide treatment decisions.
Observational StudyTreatment of severe post-kidney-transplant lung infection by integrative Chinese and Western medicine
Integrative Chinese and Western medicine (ICWM) can increase curing rate and lower death rate in patients with severe post-kidney-transplant lung infection.
Non-RCTNew opportunities for managing acute and chronic lung infections
The Human Microbiome Project's technologies and concepts can revolutionize diagnosis and treatment of common lung diseases by recognizing the lungs' microbial composition and addressing antibiotic resistance.
Highly CitedLung infections after cancer chemotherapy.
Lung infections after cancer chemotherapy can be severe and difficult to diagnose, with the greatest hope for the future being targeted anticancer drugs with fewer immune system side-effects.
Highly CitedAre guidelines on the management of non-tuberculous mycobacteria lung infections respected and what are the consequences for patients? A French retrospective study from 2007 to 2014
Current medical practices for treating non-tuberculous mycobacteria lung infections in our institution are not consistent with ATS/IDSA guidelines, potentially impacting patient prognosis and favoring macrolide resistance in NTM species.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalMycobacterium abscessus infections in lung transplant recipients: the international experience.
Mycobacterium abscessus infection in lung transplant recipients is uncommon but can be successfully treated with prolonged combination anti-microbial therapy and surgical débridement.
Observational StudyHighly CitedInfections and Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer: A Bad Relationship?
Lung cancer patients with infections may have a complex relationship with immunotherapy, potentially impacting treatment outcomes and safety.
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