New treatments in development for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in the lungs of individuals with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

In 1989, with the discovery of the genetic mutation causing cystic fibrosis (CF), a cure for this terrible disease seemed just around the corner. Though significant progress has been made to improve the quality of life of CF patients, a remedy for CF is yet to be found. Of great concern, such bacteria as Pseudomonas aeruginosa establish chronic infections that are extremely difficult to eradicate. P. aeruginosa thrives in the CF lung environment, where it protects itself from the host inflammatory defense and contributes immensely to the lung inflammation and tissue destruction seen with the disease. Tackling and eradicating P. aeruginosa infection in the CF lung holds the key to lessen the suffering of these individuals. Unfortunately, current antibiotic regimens are insufficient to eliminate P. aeruginosa from the CF lung. In this review, we address recent drugs that are currently under development to eradicate P. aeruginosa infection in the airways of patients with CF. We discuss the P. aeruginosa infection from the perspective of CF, the shortcomings of current drugs, and the upcoming drugs that are under clinical trials and development. These new drugs and therapies hold much promise for treating recalcitrant P. aeruginosa infections and improving the lives of individuals with CF.