Genomic, proteolytic, and phenotypic characterization of <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> isolates causing infective endocarditis

IE, integrating genomic, proteomic, and phenotypic analyses in comparison with reference strains and a diverse array of clinical isolates. Although no distinct molecular signature was identified, the IE isolates consistently displayed virulence traits and phenotypes commonly associated with acute infections. Proteomic profiling revealed increased expression of prominent virulence factors, including phenazines, proteases, and pili, that likely contribute to disease initiation and persistence. Notably, all IE isolates exhibited markedly elevated proteolytic activity, significantly higher than in isolates from other clinical contexts.