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AmJCaseRep

Mucus solubility behavior in cystic fibrosis patients monitored by photoacoustic technique

Cristiane C. Coelho, Paulo R. Barja, Evanirso S. Aquino, Marcelo A.I. Barboza, Fernanda M.G. Gonzaga, Cinara C. Brandao de Mattos, Luiz Carlos de Mattos, Newton S. Faria Junior, Luciana M.M. Sampaio, Luis V.F. Oliveira

Med Sci Tech 2010; 51(2): 135-139

ID: 881302

Available online:

Published: 2010-11-15


Background:    Cystic fibrosis is the most common autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations, which results in aberrant ion transport across the respiratory epithelium, leading to a complex pathophysiology of mucociliary function. The disease is characterized by retention of thick and viscid mucus that is subsequently invaded by bacterial pathogens, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The primary objective of this study was to assess the evaluation of mucus solubility behavior in cystic fibrosis patients with different bacterial colonization.
    Material/Methods:    A total of 26 samples of bronchial secretions were analyzed. They were divided in 3 groups according to the sputum culture analysis: GI without colonization, GII colonized by Staphylococcus aureus, and GIII colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The evaluation of mucus solubility behavior was accomplished using the photoacoustic technique. The photoacoustic signal results from the conversion of amplitude modulated electromagnetic energy to modulated thermal energy through non-radioactive decays in the absorbing material sample.
    Results:    The results obtained show that mucus from cystic fibrosis patients with different bacterial colonization has different characteristic times for absorption. These results were in agreement with previous studies, which indicate differences in mucus viscosity of patients with cystic fibrosis colonized by different pathogens.
    Conclusions:    This measurement approach provided unique information indicating the photoacoustic technique can be successfully employed in the analysis of the solubilization processes.

Keywords: bronchial mucus, Cystic Fibrosis, photoacoustic, Solubility



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