Mucus Distribution Model in a Lung with Cystic Fibrosis

Figure 8

Attack and Climax communities for cystic fibrosis. The Attack communities consist of pathogens like Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and eukaryotic viruses. The Attack communities elicit strong immune responses and scarring. The scar tissue is colonized by the Climax community, which consists of the facultative anaerobe P. aeruginosa at the periphery and strict anaerobes in the center. The figure depicts a cross-section through a clogged airway.