Analytical methods for the characterization and diagnosis of infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A critical review

The recent increase in outbreaks of pathogenic bacteria and antimicrobial resistance represent major public health problems. Being the leading cause of death in humans, the bacterial infections need to be accurately and quickly diagnosed. Hence, the development of fast, cost-effective, sensitive and specific strategies for the detection of the targeted bacterium is of utmost importance. This review presents a systematic, critical evaluation of the recent analytical methods for the characterization and diagnosis of infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The clinical manifestations, incidence and treatment of the P. aeruginosa infection and the associated quorum sensing, biofilm formation and virulence factors are also discussed. An overview of a variety of analytical methods for the detection of P. aeruginosa is provided, including whole-cell detection (microbiological methods, biosensors), antigens, DNA, and relevant markers (quorum sensing molecules, virulence factors) detection. The latest trends in analytical methods, especially sensors, are the orientation towards portability and on-site detection. The efforts made so far to achieve these goals in the detection of P. aeruginosa and its markers are also presented and discussed in this review. The strengths and weaknesses of the current detection methods are evaluated, while exploring potential routes for further development.