Retrospective analysis of secreted PrpL protease activity in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its association with corneal tissue damage

Background Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous organism that adapts well in different environments. It is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that produces a wide range of virulence factors, colonizes lungs to cause pneumonia, causes non-healing wounds especially in burn victims, and is a major culprit in destructive keratitis. It can reach the cornea through reusable, extended-use contact lenses and by contaminated eyedrops and artificial tears. Secreted proteases of P. aeruginosa together w