Contents


Preface

*Pseudomonas aeruginosa* is one bacterium among many that displays fascinating mechanisms of adaptation and evolution. With the mosaic nature of its genome, *P. aeruginosa* is able to thrive on both biotic and abiotic niches, including drinking water, invoking adaptive phenotypes that are well suited for specific microenvironments. The presence of acquired genetic elements, large and small, distributed throughout the genome requires this organism to be able to survive using a wide range of nutrients. The interdisciplinary approach to understanding various strains and isolates of *P. aeruginosa* has unraveled interesting strategies that this organism employs to combat the host defense mechanisms and thrive in unusual niches. The association of *P. aeruginosa* with cystic fibrosis (CF) is by virtue of the bacteria's colonization and formation of biofilms. The CF condition is characterized by abnormal transport of chloride and sodium across the epithelium that leads to thickening of secretions, especially in the lungs, pancreas, liver, and intestine. The complex nature of this disease, involving dysfunction of multiple organs and subsequent secondary infections by microbes, especially *P. aeruginosa*, is the basis for mortality in the CF population. This book is a compilation of chapters that highlight

different facets of the capabilities and lifestyle of *P. aeruginosa*.

Germany, where I began my research career.

I would like to thank IntechOpen for appointing me editor of this book and for providing me the opportunity to contribute to the scientific community. I am also grateful to the authors of the chapters for their valuable contributions. Finally, I wish to thank the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig,

> **Dr. Dinesh Sriramulu** Shres Consultancy,

> > India
