Disrupting the Status Quo: Nitric Oxide’s Role in Tackling Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance in gram-negative organisms,
particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, presents a formidable challenge
in healthcare settings due to its biofilm-forming ability. This study
investigates the influence of nitric oxide (NO) on P. aeruginosa biofilms,
with a focus on the expression of biofilm-related genes (pslA, pelA,
and algD).
Method: 71 isolates of P. aeruginosa were obtained from clinical
specimens and subjected to biofilm formation assays and exposure
to NO using sodium nitroprusside (SNP) as a donor. Gene expression
analysis was conducted using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR.
A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to visualise biofilm
morphology.
Results: SNP exposure disrupted biofilm formation in most isolates,
although some showed resilience. SEM revealed significant biofilm
disruption post-NO treatment. Gene expression analysis indicated varied
responses to NO, with some isolates showing increased expression of
biofilm-related genes while others exhibiting downregulation.
Conclusion: Albeit nitric oxide disrupted P. aeruginosa biofilms, its
impact on gene expression varies among isolates. Understanding
these dynamics could help develop targeted therapeutic strategies
for biofilm-associated infections.

How to cite this article:
Abdulrahman Z T, Al-Mathkhury H J F. Disrupting
the Status Quo: Nitric Oxide’s Role in Tackling
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections. J Commun
Dis. 2024;56(4):124-131.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202482