Lipopolysaccharide-targeting treatments for multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

INTRODUCTION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic, nosocomial, Gram-negative pathogen implicated in a wide variety of infection types and is especially problematic in chronic lung infections for patients with cystic fibrosis. Resistance to current antibiotics is frequent and rising, posing a serious public health threat, so development of new treatments is urgent.

AREAS COVERED: This review aims to describe the current variety of LPS-targeting anti-Pseudomonals, including antimicrobials, bacteriophages, and pyocins, and how research is working to combat the rise of multi-drug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa infections.

EXPERT OPINION: Pyocins, bacteriocins produced by P. aeruginosa, are an attractive potential treatment for MDR infections. Their high species-specificity, effective bactericidal activity, and relative stability and safety give them a promising treatment profile. It is likely that pyocin treatments could enter clinical testing, offering another lifeline for the future of combating P. aeruginosa.