Targeting mechanisms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenesis

Med Mal Infect. 2006 Feb;36(2):78-91. doi: 10.1016/j.medmal.2005.10.007. Epub 2006 Jan 19.

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for ventilator-acquired pneumonia, acute lower respiratory tract infections in immunocompromised patients and chronic respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis patients. High incidence, infection severity and increasing resistance characterize P. aeruginosa infections, highlighting the need for new therapeutic options. One such option is to target the many pathogenic mechanisms conferred to P. aeruginosa by its large genome encoding many different virulence factors. This article reviews the pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapies targeting these mechanisms in P. aeruginosa respiratory infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fimbriae, Bacterial / genetics
  • Fimbriae, Bacterial / physiology
  • Humans
  • Lipopolysaccharides / toxicity
  • Pseudomonas Infections / physiopathology*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / genetics
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / pathogenicity*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / microbiology*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / physiopathology
  • Virulence*

Substances

  • Lipopolysaccharides