Pathogenic factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa - the role of biofilm in pathogenicity and as a target for phage therapy

Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2017 Feb 14;71(0):78-91. doi: 10.5604/01.3001.0010.3792.

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause several acute and chronic infections in humans, and it has become an important cause of nosocomial infections and antibiotic resistance. Biofilm represents an important virulence factor for these bacteria, plays a role in P. aeruginosa infections and avoidance of immune defence mechanisms, and has the ability to protect the bacteria from antibiotics. Alginate, Psl and Pel, three exopolysaccharides, are the main components in biofilm matrix, with many biological functions attributed to them, especially with respect to the protection of the bacterial cell from antibiotics and the immune system. Pseudomonas infections, biofilm formation and development of resistance to antibiotics all require better understanding to achieve the best results using alternative treatment with phage therapy. This review describes the P. aeruginosa pathogenicity and virulence factors with a special focus on the biofilm and its role in infection and resistance to antibiotics and summarizes phage therapy as an alternative approach in treatment of P. aeruginosa infections.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Biofilms / growth & development
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial
  • Humans
  • Phage Therapy / methods*
  • Pseudomonas Infections / microbiology
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / growth & development
  • Virulence Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Virulence Factors