What virulence factor is most commonly associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is recognized for its production of exotoxin A, which is a major virulence factor that contributes significantly to its pathogenicity. Exotoxin A functions by inhibiting protein synthesis in host cells, leading to cell death. It does this by ADP-ribosylating elongation factor-2 (EF-2), thereby halting the crucial processes of translation and protein production. This ability to disrupt cellular function is particularly damaging during infections, especially in immunocompromised patients or those with chronic lung diseases.

While other factors, such as capsule formation, endotoxin production, and alpha-hemolysin, may play roles in bacterial virulence in different species or contexts, exotoxin A is distinctly associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a key element in its pathogenic mechanism. This characteristic allows Pseudomonas to establish infections and is a crucial reason why it is often a concern in hospital settings and among vulnerable populations.