Understanding resistance acquisition by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and possible pharmacological approaches in palliating its pathogenesis

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can utilize various virulence factors necessary for host infection and persistence. These virulence factors include pyocyanin, proteases, exotoxins, 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide (HQNO), phospholipases, and siderophores that enable the bacteria to cause severe infections in immunocompromised individuals. P. aeruginosa falls into the category of nosocomial pathogens that are typically resistant to available antibiotics and therapeutic approaches. P. aeruginosa bio-film formation is a major concern in hospitals because it can cause chronic infection and increase the risk of mortality. Therefore, the development of new strategies to disrupt biofilm formation and improve antibiotic efficacy for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections is crucial. Anti-biofilm and anti-quorum sensing (QS) activity can be viewed as an anti-virulence approach to control the infectious nature of P. aeruginosa. Inhibition of QS and biofilm formation can be achieved through pharmacological approaches such as phytochemicals and essential oils, which have shown promising results in laboratory studies. A regulatory protein called LasR plays a key role in QS signaling to coordinate gene expression. Designing an antagonist molecule that mimics the natural autoinducer might be the best approach for LasR inhibition. Here we reviewed the mechanism behind antibiotic resistance and alternative approaches to combat the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa.

Automated summary

Pseudomonas aeruginosa has various virulence factors that contribute to host infection and persistence. These factors allow the bacteria to cause severe infections in immunocompromised individuals. P. aeruginosa is a nosocomial pathogen that is typically resistant to available antibiotics. Biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa is a major concern in hospitals and can lead to chronic infection and increased mortality risk. Therefore, it is crucial to develop new strategies to disrupt biofilm formation and improve antibiotic efficacy for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections. Inhibition of quorum sensing and biofilm formation through pharmacological approaches, such as phytochemicals and essential oils, has shown promising results in laboratory studies. LasR, a regulatory protein, plays a key role in quorum sensing signaling, and designing an antagonist molecule that mimics the natural autoinducer could be the best approach for LasR inhibition. In this review, we discuss antibiotic resistance mechanisms and alternative approaches to combat the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa.