Pseudomonas aeruginosa mucoid strain. Its significance in adult chest diseases.

Isolation of mucoid strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from bronchial secretions has occurred usually in the setting of cystic fibrosis. This association has been so strong that it is considered a sign of the presence of cystic fibrosis. We reviewed the records of 31 patients in whom this strain was isolated; in contract to previous experiences, we found that only 2 of our patients could be considered to have cystic fibrosis. The remainder all had a chronic pulmonary disease, and common to all was the presence of bronchiectasis. We conclude that isolation of mucoid strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from bronchial secretions of adults with a chronic pulmonary process indicates the presence of underlying bronchiectasis.