How nutrients shape antibiotic sensitivity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: food for thought

Kok, M. (2026)

Doctoral Thesis

The impact of the phenotypic plasticity of P. aeruginosa and the distinct CF lung microenvironments on antibiotic drug effects and resistance remains poorly understood. To improve antibiotic treatment strategies for chronic respiratory infections caused by P. aeruginosa in CF patients, it is essential to gain deeper insights into how the infectious microenvironment shapes bacterial metabolism and antibiotic responses. In this thesis, we hypothesize that nutrient conditions play a central role as pharmacodynamic drivers and key determinants in the evolution of antibiotic resistance, ultimately affecting therapeutic outcomes.

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Nutrients
• Host environment
• Antibiotics
• Pharmacodynamics

• All authors: Kok, M.
• Supervisor: Hasselt, J.G.C. van; Hankemeier, T.
• Committee: Eck, M. van; Lange, E.C.M. de; Knibbe, C.A.J.; Martin, N.I.; Ciofu, O.; Jansen, R.S.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Faculty of Science, Leiden University
• Date: 2026-01-20