A cystic fibrosis patient’s sample shows mucoid growth on blood agar. What is the expected identification?

In patients with cystic fibrosis, the presence of mucoid growth on blood agar is strongly indicative of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterium can produce a thick, mucoid exopolysaccharide known as alginate, which contributes to its characteristic mucoid colonies. The mucoid phenotype is commonly associated with chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients, where Pseudomonas aeruginosa adapts to the environment and forms biofilms that enhance its virulence and resistance to treatments.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a versatile opportunistic pathogen known for its ability to thrive in various environments and its resilience to different antibiotics, making it a significant concern in cystic fibrosis management. The other organisms listed do not typically present with mucoid growth in this context. While Acinetobacter species and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia can be involved in lung infections, they do not exhibit the prominent mucoid characteristic associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Burkholderia mallei is more associated with glanders in animals and has a different clinical presentation. Therefore, the identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa when observing mucoid growth in a cystic fibrosis patient is