Contact with other people with CF (PWCF) may contain a risk of cross infection. Specific bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can spread from one patient to another. Infection with those bacteria can lead to a decline in lung function. Therefore, when attending events where other PWCF may be present it is important to follow certain hygienic guidelines, to minimise any possibility of cross-infection. Please read the CFW guidelines carefully before attending the meeting!

The possibility of cross-infection between CF individuals observing proper hygienic measures may be very low, nonetheless CFW must request that those individuals who have cultured positive with Burkholderia cepacia, Methicillin resistant Staph. aureus (MRSA) or other panresistant bacteria, do not attend CFW events.

EVERY PERSON WITH CF HAS TO BRING THE FOLLOWING FORMS:

1. A bacterial report, no more than 28 days old, will be required upon registration. The kind of medium which was used for sputum analysis must be indicated. It is recommended that agars or medium supportive of B.cepacia growth be used for conference/meeting bacteriological specimens. Such mediums include B.cepacia selective agar (BCSA), OFPBL, PC agar and MAST agar. Evidence of your bacterial status will need to be provided before we can allow entry to the meeting!

2. A letter written on medical notepaper and signed by your primary (preferably CF) physician will be required upon registration/entrance. This should state that you have not cultured B. cepacia, MRSA or any other panresistant bacteria for 12 months prior to the event. See sample letter, to be copied EXACTLY.

You have to have both papers with you when you register for the conference meetings
in Turkey.

Out of respect to other persons with CF attending the meeting

WE CAN NOT ALLOW ENTRY TO ANYONE WHO CAN NOT SHOW
THE ABOVE INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR BACTERIOLOGICAL STATUS UPON ENTRY!

Although hygienic methods have been endorsed and encouraged by CFW, and efforts to restrict attendance by those cultivating either Burkholderia cepacia, Methicillin resistant Staph. aureus (MRSA) or panresistant bacteria have been enacted; we cannot guarantee a conference that is free of virulent bacteria. The very nature of cross-infection, inaccurate laboratory cultures, and other factors make it impossible for anyone to guarantee a Burkholderia cepacia or MRSA free gathering. Therefore we urge you to discuss cross-infection with your physician and decide for yourself if you wish to attend the conference.