Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa are a Gram-negative, and non-fermentative bacilli that are responsible for infection in people who are immunocomprimised. A related bacteria is Acinetiobacter.

Occurrence
Found everywhere (dirt, feces, mouth, etc.). Common saprophytes (grows on, dead material).

Resistance
Very resistant to antibiotics and antimicrobials to the point that it will grow on antibiotic solutions. Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter are 12-15x more resistant to triclosan, and can grow in antimicrobial eye drops as well as antiseptic soaps. Pseudomonas is a superbug, and will cause an after the other bacteria have been killed by an antibiotic. Growing on top of other infections is also referred to as a super infection.

Infections
When the body is burned, the skin is damaged and the patient is exposed to infections, which can often lead to septicemia and death, 75% of the time. The three main post-burn infections are caused by Pseudomonas, Staphylococci, and Proteus. 14% of deaths are caused by pseudomonas. This is avoided by peeling off the infected dead skin and wrapping a patient in silver nitrate.

Superficial skin infections
Athlete’s foot – pseudomonas can grow even with ointment.

Bed sores; pseudomonas grows on top of bed sore infection.

Eczema; can cause a green pus with grape-like odor, also referred to as Pseudomonas pyoderma: pus growing on top of other organisms.

Hot tub dermatitis; hot tub opens pores in your skin, which allow pseudomonas to penetrate, creating a self-limiting rash.

Genito-Urinary Tract
Complicated UTI caused by instrumentation such as an urinary catheter. Usually nosocomial.

Eye Infections
Contact lenses: can drop on floor and get infection if not cleaned before placing in your eye. Pseudomonas attacks cornea of eye an leads to blindness.

Other Infections
Nosocomial pneumonia - when intubated (respiratory aids)

Meningitis: operations, burns (not a major cause)

Osteomyelitis: major cause is Staph aureus, but pseudomonas can also cause it. Often occurs after a dog bite or other trauma to the bone. Otitis Externa (ear) – most common cause of swimmer’s ear are pseudomonas and staph. They will often be found in dirtier places such as lakes or ponds.

Treatment
DOC for UTI: Ciprofloxacin

DOC for other infections: Combination of Gentamycin + Ticarcillin (or Piperacillin)

Related diseases are Bordatella pertussis and Legionella pneumophilia.