Multidrug resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa:Insights into the molecular mechanisms

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly found in chronic lung infections such as cystic fibrosis and others. Intrinsic antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa accompanied by its ability to acquire resistance via mutations and adapt to the heterogeneous and dynamic environment of chronically infected lungs are major threats and reasons for the ultimate failure of the current antibiotic therapies in eradicating the infection from lungs. New insights at molecular levels in the process of accumulating such beneficial mutations at faster rates, termed as hypermutation have allowed us to understand the high acquired resistance of this opportunistic pathogen. Also, these understandings will allow us to develop new therapeutic strategies to combat chronic infections.