Predatory Bacteria can Reduce Pseudomonas aeruginosa Induced Corneal Perforation and Proliferation in a Rabbit...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology
• Bacterial Pathogenesis

Background:

• *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* keratitis is a severe ocular infection leading to corneal perforation.
• Bacterial quorum sensing plays a role in the virulence of *P. aeruginosa*.
• The efficacy of predatory bacteria in treating ocular infections is largely unexplored.

Approach:

• Rabbit corneas were infected with *P. aeruginosa* (wild-type or Δ*lasR* mutant) and co-injected with *Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus* or PBS.
• Corneal perforation, bacterial proliferation, and inflammatory cytokines were assessed.
• Microscopy and histology were used for detailed analysis.

Key Points:

• Co-injection with *B. bacteriovorus* reduced corneal perforation in wild-type *P. aeruginosa* infections from 54% to 4%.
• *P. aeruginosa* proliferation was reduced 7-fold in eyes treated with predatory bacteria.
• The Δ*lasR* mutant showed reduced proliferation and was less affected by *B. bacteriovorus*.

Conclusions:

• Bacterial quorum sensing is crucial for *P. aeruginosa* proliferation and corneal perforation.
• *Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus* can reduce *P. aeruginosa* virulence in an ocular infection model.
• Predatory bacteria show potential as a therapeutic strategy for *P. aeruginosa* keratitis.