Why is Pseudomonas aeruginosa a pathogen?
Despite the expression of a myriad of virulence factors, healthy individuals are generally able to resist infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte-dependent killing is the major mechanism responsible for resistance; dysregulation of host defense mechanisms in addition to expression of specific bacterial factors can result in life-threatening infections with this bacterium.
Goldberg
Joanna B
JB
Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia Health System Box 800734, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0734 USA.