Enzyme Production and Inhibitory Potential of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Contrasting Clinical and Environmental Isolates

Abstract

(1) Background: This study summarizes the findings of two studies investigating the inhibitory effects of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from clinical and environmental sources against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The studies also analyzed the correlation between enzyme production and inhibitory effects to gain insights into the antimicrobial capabilities of P. aeruginosa strains; (2) Methods: Both studies employed similar methodologies, including the use of disk diffusion and well diffusion methods to assess the inhibitory effects of P. aeruginosa strains against target pathogens. Enzyme production was analyzed through various biochemical assays to determine the diversity and frequencies of enzyme secretion among the strains; (3) Results: A comparative analysis of enzyme production in P. aeruginosa strains from clinical sources revealed significant variations in enzyme production, with hemolysin and protease being the most commonly produced enzymes. Gelatinase production showed lower rates, whereas chondroitinase and hyaluronidase were absent or occurred less frequently. In contrast, a comparative analysis of enzyme production in environmental isolates showed different patterns, indicating adaptation to environmental conditions. Pyocyanin production was absent in all environmental isolates. The inhibitory effects against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria varied among different P. aeruginosa strains, with strain-specific variations observed. Limited inhibitory effects were observed against fungi, primarily toward gram-positive bacteria; (4) Conclusions: The findings highlight the strain-specific nature of inhibitory effects and enzyme production in P. aeruginosa strains. The correlation between enzyme production and inhibitory effects against gram-positive bacteria suggest a potential role of specific enzymes, such as hemolysin and protease, in the antimicrobial activity. The complexity of the relationship between enzyme production and the inhibition of different pathogens requires further investigation. The results emphasize the potential of P. aeruginosa strains as sources for antimicrobial strategies, particularly against gram-positive bacteria. Future research should focus on understanding the mechanisms underlying these inhibitory effects and exploring their therapeutic applications.