Background and objectives Bacterial colonization or chronic infection occurs in the lower respiratory tract of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Previous studies on Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) colonization in patients with stable COPD mainly focused on its impact on prognosis, such as leading to acute exacerbations and increased mortality. However, the prevalence of PA colonization remains unknown. Evidence-based medicine is lacking regarding the association of prior antibiotics and inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) exposure with PA colonization, intervention with antibiotic therapy for acute exacerbations, and the effect of PA eradication. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate these issues and inform precise treatment and prevention.
Liu et al. (Mon,) studied this question.