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Pseudomonas
aeruginosa

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Pseudomonas aeruginosa as shown in a Petri dish on nutrient agar. The streak plate method of colonial isolation has been used.
[Image shows a hand holding up a Petri dish containing the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The streak plate method of isolation has been used on a nutrient agar plate.]

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Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause disease in plants and animals (humans included). It is typically acquired from the environment (e.g. soil, water, and other moist locations). Typically, P. aeruginosa affects those who are immunocompromised, such as those suffering cystic fibrosis, burn patients, and cancer patients.

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If symptoms are show, a health provider will take a blood sample, or other body fluid, and send it for a lab test to confirm the bacteria to help determine which medication is best suited. Oral or IV-induced antibiotics are the most commonly used methods of treatment. Topic creams are used to treat skin infections, while ear/eye drops are used to treat the ear and eye infections respectively. Certain areas of P. aeruginosa infection, such as folliculitis, go away without treatment, while others can require a combination of medicines.

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Binomial Name: Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Domain: Bacteria

Phylum: Probacteria

Class: Gammaproteobacteria

Order: Pseudomonadales

Family: Pseudomonadaceae

Genus: Pseudomonas

Species Group: Pseudomonas aeruginosa group

Species: P. aeruginosa

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Pseudomonas aeruginosa is described as a common encapsulated, Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium. It is primarily a nosocomial pathogen (common causative pathogen). According to the CDC, the overall rate of occurrence of P. aeruginosa infections in U.S. hospitals averages about 0.4% (4 per 1000 discharges). It is the fourth most commonly-isolated nosocomial pathogen accounting for 10.1% of all hospital-acquired infections.
This pathogen has an incubation period of 24-72 hours.

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There are a multitude of prevention methods when it comes to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections:

Those who often go to pools or hot tubs should:

avoid any hot tubs/pools that look dirty or might not have enough chlorine in them.

remove & clean swimwear as soon as you get out of a pool/hot tub.

don’t wear contacts when swimming or soaking.

Those who wear contacts should:

clean contacts regularly & properly store them in contact solution.

Hospital staff should:

wash hands often.

wear gloves and masks.

clean patient rooms, nurse carts, food trays, & blood pressure cuffs.

When you or someone in your home has had this infection:

clean contaminated surfaces.

wash contaminated clothes and sheets with hot water.

Everyone should follow these rules for good hygiene:

wash hands often with soap & water.

cough or sneeze into a tissue.

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Pseudomonas aeruginosa as shown in pigment production, its growth on a cetrimide agar plate, its results in the oxidase test, plaque formation, and its Gram stain test results.
[Image showcases various test results for the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There is pigment production, growth on cetrimide agar, the oxidase test, plaque formation, and Gram stain.]

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P. aeruginosa pigment production, growth on cetrimide agar, the oxidase test, plaque formantion and Gram stain

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Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections can develop in different parts of the body, including the:

lungs

eyes & ears

skin

blood

bones & joints

urinary tract

& heart valves

Symptoms can vary depending on which part of the body id infected. Overall symptoms can include:

fever, swelling, tenderness

low blood pressure

yellowing of the skin

rapid heartbeat

trouble breathing

itchy/irritated hair follicles (folliculitis)

ear problems (swelling, pain, hearing loss, itching, discharge)

sinus problems

pain/other issues when urinating

eye issues (especially from contacts)

purple-black spots on the skin surrounded by a red ring

The initial diagnosis of P. aeruginosa depends on isolation and laboratory identification. It is identified on the basis of its Gram morphology, inability to ferment lactose, a positive oxidase reaction, its fruity odor, and its ability to grow at 42 degrees Celsius.

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Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause a variety of diseases and ailments, such as

urinary tract infection

respiratory system infections

dermatitis

soft tissue infections

bacteremia

bone & joint infections

gastrointestinal infections

& a variety of systemic infections

P. aeruginosa is a common hospital-acquired infection, as there are numerous reservoirs for it to incubate: disinfectants, respiratory equipment, food, sinks, taps, and mops (as it thrives in moist environments).