Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection as the Pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), resulted from tobacco smoking, has an extremely poor prognosis and is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this chapter, we review the role of bacterial infection on the pathogenesis of COPD, with a particular focus on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Chronic infection with P. aeru-ginosa has been shown to contribute to COPD pathogenesis under certain conditions. In addition, P. aeruginosa is a major factor influencing severe symptoms, acute exacerbation, and the progression of COPD. Treatment for chronic P. aeruginosa infection may become a new strategy for addressing COPD.