Non-antibiotic methods against Pseudomonas aeruginosa include QS inhibitors: a narrative review

Ann Palliat Med. 2021 Jun;10(6):6926-6935. doi: 10.21037/apm-20-2247. Epub 2021 May 20.

Abstract

The prevalence of antibiotic resistance is a growing worldwide problem in the control of pathogens, particularly negative bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is one of these bacteria. The development of new effective antibiotics is time-consuming and costly, and the new antibiotics may become resistant again. Therefore, non-antibiotic clinical treatment for antibiotic-resistant PA infection is necessary and needs to be strengthened. The antibiotic resistance (AR) mechanism of PA is complex. Biofilm formation is one of the reasons why its resistance is difficult to overcome. The formation of biofilms is mainly regulated by quorum sensing (QS). QS is a mechanism by which PA increases its virulence by producing small diffusible molecules, which regulates a series of genes associated with virulence and nutrient acquisition. QS inhibitors are potions that obstruct QS systems in bacteria and destruction of virulence. This review summarizes AR mechanism of PA, Basic knowledge of QS of PA and some non-antibiotic methods for inhibiting PA, including QS inhibitors, which have potential and far-reaching significance for antibiotic-resistant PA's clinical treatment. The review helps to provide new ideas and new schemes for clinical anti-PA infection research and treatment, and has positive significance for delaying the occurrence of bacterial drug resistance and antibiotic use management.

Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginosa; QS inhibitors; antibiotic resistance; other non-antibiotic approaches; quorum sensing (QS).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biofilms
  • Humans
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa*
  • Quorum Sensing*
  • Virulence Factors / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Virulence Factors