Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Virulence Factors and Host Defense Mechanisms

Abstract

As an opportunistic pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) can cause both acute and chronic infections. Variable virulence components and antibiotic resistance markers in the bacterium's genome constitute the bacterium's pathogenic profile and provide the bacterium with outstanding metabolic adaptability to many conditions. The interactions of P. aeruginosa with the host are poorly understood, complicating the treatment of its infections and the development of vaccines against them. Despite decades of scientific research focusing specifically on this challenge, vaccines to prevent these dangerous infections still do not exist. The major virulence factors of P. aeruginosa and host immune responses against the bacteria are discussed in this review.