Alginate synthesis by Pseudomonas aeruginosa : A key pathogenic factor in chronic pulmonary infection of cystic fibrosis patients

• Published in: Clinical microbiology reviews Vol. 4; no. 2; pp. 191 - 206
• Main Authors: May, T B, Shinabarger, D, Maharaj, R, Kato, J, Chu, L, DeVault, J D, Roychoudhury, S, Zielinski, N, Chakrabarty, A M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-01-1991
• ISSN: 0893-8512

Pulmonary infection by mucoid, alginate-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the leading cause of mortality among patients suffering from cystic fibrosis. Alginate-producing P. aeruginosa is uniquely associated with the environment of the cystic fibrosis-affected lung, where alginate is believed to increase resistance to both the host immune system and antibiotic therapy. Recent evidence indicates that P. aeruginosa is most resistant to antibiotic when the infecting cells are present as a biofilm, as they appear to be in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. This review summarizes reports on the role of alginate in cystic fibrosis-associated pulmonary infections caused by P. aeurginosa and provides details about the biosynthesis and regulation of this exopolysaccharide.