**10. Microbial colonisation in cystic fibrosis and its effect upon prognosis**

Bacterial colonisation of the airways is the catalyst for cyclical infectious exacerbations of CF, leading to acute, subacute, and chronic inflammation. The identification of organism and subsequent in-vitro sensitivity testing helps in guiding treatment, antibiotic choices, and even infection control measures. The individual impact of specific organisms on prognosis and survival has been a focus of interest in clinical research for some time.
