Incurable Disorder Seeks Possible Coping Treatment

By: Jose Rodriguez

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disorder that affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive fluids. It causes them to become thick and sticky, which in turn block and clog the airways of the lungs. This blockage then keeps bacteria in the lungs which can then lead to infection. Unfortunately, this disorder is incurable and only treatment can reduce potential problems. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogen that becomes prevalent in the lungs during Cystic Fibrosis. In a study done by Chatterjee and colleagues, the group attempted to see if P. aeruginosa would be inhibited by environmental pseudomonad strains that dominated competition. Several environmental pseudomonad isolates displayed antagonistic activity towards P. aeruginosa and other strains even created factors that have the ability inhibit P. aeruginosa. These environmental pseudomonads exhibit the capacity to bring fourth new antibiotics. Further discovery and understanding of these antagonistic processes can help reveal superior treatment methods for patients of Cystic Fibrosis. 

Figure 1. Displays a plate assay, utilized to confirm and observe antagonistic activity between Pseudomonad isolates.

Original Article: Chatterjee P, Davis E, Yu F, James S, Wildschutte JH, Wiegmann DD, Sherman DH, McKay RM, LiPuma JJ, WildschutteH. 2017. Environmental pseudomonads inhibit cystic fibrosis patient-derived Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Appl Environ Microbiol 83:02701-16. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.02701-16.