Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Infections, Animal Modeling, and Therapeutics
Stephen J Wood1,2, Timothy M Kuzel1,3, Sasha H Shafikhani1,2,3
1Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, & Cell Therapy, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Abstract:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen which causes many severe acute and chronic infections with high morbidity, and mortality rates as high as 40%. What makes P. aeruginosa a particularly challenging pathogen is its high intrinsic and acquired resistance to many of the available antibiotics. In this review, we review the important acute and chronic infections caused by this pathogen. We next discuss various animal models which have been developed to evaluate P. aeruginosa pathogenesis and assess therapeutics against this pathogen. Next, we review current treatments (antibiotics and vaccines) and provide an overview of their efficacies and their limitations. Finally, we highlight exciting literature on novel antibiotic-free strategies to control P. aeruginosa infections.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are dangerous due to high mortality and antibiotic resistance. This review covers infections, animal models, current treatments, and novel antibiotic-free strategies for controlling this pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathogen Research
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen.
- It causes severe acute and chronic infections with high morbidity and mortality rates (up to 40%).
- High intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance makes P. aeruginosa challenging to treat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review P. aeruginosa infections.
- To discuss animal models for pathogenesis and therapeutics evaluation.
- To overview current treatments and novel antibiotic-free strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of P. aeruginosa infections.
- Analysis of animal models for P. aeruginosa research.
- Evaluation of current antibiotic and vaccine therapies.
- Exploration of emerging antibiotic-free treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- P. aeruginosa causes significant morbidity and mortality.
- Existing antibiotics face challenges due to resistance.
- Various animal models aid in understanding pathogenesis and testing therapies.
- Novel strategies offer potential for future control.
Conclusions:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a significant threat due to its resistance.
- Current treatments have limitations.
- Further research into novel therapeutic approaches, including antibiotic-free strategies, is crucial for effective control.
