Novel therapeutic strategies targeting infections caused by P. aeruginosa biofilm.

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative clinical pathogen, particularly affecting immunocompromised patients, those with cystic fibrosis, and burn victims. It causes chronic infections, especially in hospital settings, and is a significant contributor to nosocomial infections. Its capacity to create biofilms resistant to antibiotics is the reason for its infamous persistence in clinical settings. P. aeruginosa infections can affect any area of the body because the bacteria's biofilm enables it to stick to any surface, living or non-living. One of the primary clinical challenges in treating P. aeruginosa biofilm is its noteworthy resistance to many classes of antibiotics. The bacterium's ability to acquire resistance through efflux pumps, beta-lactamase production, and genetic mutations complicates treatment options. Recently, multidrug- resistant (MDR) strains of P. aeruginosa are becoming increasingly prevalent, limiting the efficacy of traditional antibiotics and leading to the need for alternative therapies. There is an ongoing need for novel treatment options, including bacteriophage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, and vaccines. The rapid adaptability of P. aeruginosa and its ability to develop resistance underscores the importance of continued research into new therapeutic strategies. This review discusses the various therapeutic strategies like; antimicrobial therapy, targeting efflux pumps and biofilms of P. aeruginosa, phage therapy, immunotherapy and nanotechnology to explore the mechanisms, through which antimicrobial compounds interact with biofilm structures and the bacteria within.