Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most prevalent genetic diseases and a total of 1700 different genetic mutations can cause this condition. Patients that suffer this disease have a thickening of the mucus, creating an environment that promotes bacterial infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous bacterium, which is frequently found in the lungs of CF patients. P. aeruginosa is known for its high level of antibiotic resistance as well as its high rate of mutation that allows it to rapidly evolve and adapt to a multitude of conditions. When a CF lung is infected with P. aeruginosa, the decay of the patient is accelerated, but there is little that can be done apart from controlling the infection with antibiotics. Novel strategies to control P. aeruginosa infection are imperative, and nanotechnology provides novel approaches to drug delivery that are more efficient than classic antibiotic treatments. These drug delivery systems are offering new prospects, especially for these patients with special mucus conditions and bacterial characteristics that limit antibiotic use.
Highlights
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease caused by a mutation that affects the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR), leading to the generation of a dysfunctional protein impeding chloride from reaching the cell surface [1]
In this review we examined the advancements of drug delivery for the treatment of P. aeruginosa
Many antibiotics that are being used to control this infection in patients with CF need to be administered often and in high doses to attain therapeutic concentrations
Summary
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease caused by a mutation that affects the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR), leading to the generation of a dysfunctional protein impeding chloride from reaching the cell surface [1]. One opportunistic bacteria commonly isolated from patients with CF is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a gram-negative bacteria that is usually found in soil and water [4] Infections caused by this pathogen often occur in patients hospitalized or those with weakened immune systems. Sputum in patients with CF and chronic infections of P. aeruginosa has polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), which accumulate at the site of biofilm formation and consume oxygen to create anaerobic conditions and restrict bacterial growth. In this low oxygen environment, reactive oxygen species (ROS) dependent effects of fluoroquinolones, beta-lactams, and aminoglycosides are greatly affected. In this review we will compile the new data regarding novel methods and approaches to treat P. aeruginosa infections in this population that is highly susceptible
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