Pseudomonas aeruginosa; progression from dermal infection to septicaemia

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection of a dermal wound can cause life threatening septicaemia, especially in humans and animals with compromised immunity (eg AIDS, organ recipients, burns patients). Most clinical strains produce multiple virulence factors (VF) to facilitate the colonisation, destruction and penetration of the host1,2. ETA and elastase digest collagen, elastin and disrupt cell-to-cell junctions3,4,5, & we are investigating how P.aeruginosa utilises these two of its significant virulence factors to penetrate the circulatory system of the host