Factors governing the response ofto hypothiocyanous acid.

Source: PubMed, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

remains a significant challenge to human medicine as it causes acute and chronic infections at several locations in the body, including the lung and eyes.is a very versatile, highly adaptable, opportunistic pathogen due to its large genome, ability to form protective biofilms and metabolic adaptation. Targeted, susceptibility-guided antibiotic therapy represents the best clinical approach to treatinfections. However, due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance and the lack of a vaccine, it is critical to accelerate the development of novel, antipseudomonal therapies. Hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN) occurs naturally in the human body and serves as an antimicrobial reactive oxidant in mucosal secretions, including the airway surface liquid, saliva, tears and milk. Mucosal peroxidase enzymes generate HOSCN from its substrates, thiocyanate (SCN) and HO. HOSCN has been reported to killwhich indicates its potential to be used as a new mechanism to target this bacterium. This review article provides a brief overview of the human clinical relevance ofand summarizes current knowledge on theantibacterial efficacy and mechanism of action of HOSCN against this pathogen. This work also reviews the mechanisms by whichattempts to adapt to the antibacterial actions of HOSCN.