Inflammation: A Double-Edged Sword in the Response to <b><i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i></b> Infection

Abstract

The Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa exploits failures of barrier defense and innate immunity to cause acute infections at a range of anatomic sites. We review the defense mechanisms that normally protect against P. aeruginosa pulmonary infection, as well as the bacterial products and activities that trigger their activation. Innate immune recognition of P. aeruginosa is critical for pathogen clearance; nonetheless, inflammation is also associated with pathogen persistence and poor host outcomes. We describe P. aeruginosa adaptations that improve this pathogen's fitness in the inflamed airway, and briefly discuss strategies to manipulate inflammation to benefit the host. Such adjunct therapies may become increasingly important in the treatment of acute and chronic infections caused by this multi-drug-resistant pathogen.

Lung infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a CD26/DPP4 deficient F344 rat model

“…Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), a gram-negative bacterium, causes nosocomial pneumonia [1], predominantly in immunocompromised patients and patients with cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchoectasies or ventilator-associated pneumonia [2]. Antibiotic therapy is limited because of a prevalence of multidrug resistance [1].…”

A simple mung bean infection model for studying the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

“…Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can be isolated from diverse habitats including water, soil, animals and plants (1-3). In humans, it is a leading cause of infection, morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) lungs, and is a problematic pathogen in burn wounds, chronic diabetic wounds and immunocompromised individuals (1, 3, 4).…”

With Complement

“…In this issue of Journal of Innate Immunity Alhazmi [5] provides an overview about the current finding on the role of Syk as a target for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Notably, P. aeruginosa , a ubiquitous and opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium, causes long-lasting and sometimes chronic infections [for a review, see 6]. As these infections are difficult to treat, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches.…”