Interkingdom interactions between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans affect clinical outcomes and
Lisa J Kahl1, Nina Stremmel1, M Alejandra Esparza-Mora1
1Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Biochemistry, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
Infections that involve interkingdom microbial communities, such as those between bacteria and yeast pathogens, are difficult to treat, associated with worse patient outcomes, and may be a source of antimicrobial resistance. In this review, we address co-occurrence and co-infections of Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two pathogens that occupy multiple infection niches in the human body, especially in immunocompromised patients. The interaction between the pathogen species influences microbe-host interactions, the effectiveness of antimicrobials and even infection outcomes, and may thus require adapted treatment strategies. However, the molecular details of bacteria-fungal interactions both inside and outside the infection sites, are insufficiently characterised. We argue that comprehensively understanding the P. aeruginosa-C. albicans interaction network through integrated systems biology approaches will capture the highly dynamic and complex nature of these polymicrobial infections and lead to a more comprehensive understanding of clinical observations such as reshaped immune defences and low antimicrobial treatment efficacy.
Insights
Interactions between Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa complicate infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Understanding these polymicrobial dynamics is crucial for developing effective antimicrobial strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Interkingdom microbial communities, like bacteria and yeast, present treatment challenges and contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
- Candida albicans (yeast) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (bacteria) frequently co-infect humans, particularly immunocompromised individuals.
- The complex interplay between these pathogens impacts host responses and treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the co-occurrence and co-infections of Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- To highlight the need for understanding molecular details of bacteria-fungal interactions.
- To advocate for systems biology approaches to decipher polymicrobial infection dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on co-infections of Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Analysis of existing data on pathogen interactions within infection niches.
- Discussion of integrated systems biology as a methodological framework.
Main Results:
- Co-infections involving Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are associated with poor patient outcomes.
- Pathogen interactions significantly influence host immunity and antimicrobial effectiveness.
- Current understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions is limited.
Conclusions:
- Adapted treatment strategies are necessary for polymicrobial infections.
- Integrated systems biology approaches are essential for a comprehensive understanding of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Candida albicans interactions.
- Further research is needed to elucidate these complex interactions and improve clinical outcomes.
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