What Makes Pseudomonas aeruginosa a Difficult Microorganism to Kill

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic bacterium, that has been a major point of focus in Cystic Fibrosis research, (CF).  There are multiple factors that allow for this pathogen to thrive, some of those ways are its motility, protection from other molecules such as antibiotics, or its ability to compete against other microorganisms for resources. This is due to its production of biofilms and pyocin, (a bacteriocin that inhibits the growth of other microorganisms). In the document by Olubukola Oluyombo, Christopher N. Penfold, and Stephen P. Diggle, “Competition in Biofilms between Cystic Fibrosis Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Is Shaped by R-Pyocins”, there were three major strains of pyocins that were observed. This included S-pyocin type, R-pyocin type, and F-pyocin type. It has been shown that R-pyocins are a factor in the survivability between strains. The goal of the study was to better understand the role played by these pyocins play in the competition between P. aeruginosa, in other words what makes them survive over others as they compete amongst themselves. The authors continue to state they want to, “further demonstrate the potential of exploiting R-pyocins for therapeutic gain”.