In vivo and In vitro Interactions between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus spp
An Hotterbeekx1, Samir Kumar-Singh1,2, Herman Goossens1
1Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of AntwerpWilrijk, Belgium.
Abstract:
The significance of polymicrobial infections is increasingly being recognized especially in a biofilm context wherein multiple bacterial species-including both potential pathogens and members of the commensal flora-communicate, cooperate, and compete with each other. Two important bacterial pathogens that have developed a complex network of evasion, counter-inhibition, and subjugation in their battle for space and nutrients are Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Their strain- and environment-specific interactions, for instance in the cystic fibrosis lung or in wound infections, show severe competition that is generally linked to worse patient outcomes. For instance, the extracellular factors secreted by P. aeruginosa have been shown to subjugate S. aureus to persist as small colony variants (SCVs). On the other hand, data also exist where S. aureus inhibits biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa but also protects the pathogen by inhibiting its phagocytosis. Interestingly, such interspecies interactions differ between the planktonic and biofilm phenotype, with the extracellular matrix components of the latter likely being a key, and largely underexplored, influence. This review attempts to understand the complex relationship between P. aeruginosa and Staphylococcus spp., focusing on S. aureus, that not only is interesting from the bacterial evolution point of view, but also has important consequences for our understanding of the disease pathogenesis for better patient management.
Insights
Polymicrobial infections involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are complex. Their interactions in biofilms significantly impact disease severity and patient outcomes, necessitating further study for improved management.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Polymicrobial infections are increasingly recognized, particularly within biofilms.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus engage in complex interspecies interactions.
- These interactions influence disease severity and patient outcomes, especially in conditions like cystic fibrosis and wound infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intricate relationship between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus spp., with a focus on S. aureus.
- To explore the impact of these interspecies interactions on disease pathogenesis.
- To highlight the implications for patient management and treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus interactions.
- Analysis of research focusing on planktonic versus biofilm phenotypes.
- Examination of extracellular factors and matrix components influencing interspecies dynamics.
Main Results:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa can subjugate Staphylococcus aureus, promoting persistence as small colony variants.
- Staphylococcus aureus can inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation but also protect it from phagocytosis.
- Interspecies interactions differ significantly between planktonic and biofilm states.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between P. aeruginosa and S. aureus is multifaceted and context-dependent.
- Biofilm matrix components play a crucial, underexplored role in mediating these interactions.
- Understanding these dynamics is vital for advancing disease pathogenesis knowledge and improving patient care.
