A High-Priority in Antibiotic Clinical Research

Pseudomonasis a genus of gram-negative bacteria.

It belongs to the familyPseudomonadaceaeand is in the classGammaproteobacteria.

Mild infections can sometimes occur, leading to issues such as aswimmers earor a hot tub rash.

Woman checking her temperature

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For the most part, they are no threat to humans or human health.

However, some species can cause infections in humans.

Strains associated with opportunistic infections include:

The strainP.

aeruginosareceives the most focus in clinical research and documentation.

It is estimated that around 7% of all healthcare-associated infections in the U.S. are caused byP.

What to Know About Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

P. aeruginosais considered gram-negative.

They continue to resist today’s most-used antibiotics.

All other strains ofPseudomonasare also considered gram-negative, but becauseP.

aeruginosaare the most prevalent in human infection, they receive the most attention in the clinical world.

These infections are treatable and dont tend to cause a lot of ill effects.

In a facility, the bacteria can spread through contact with unsanitary medical equipment, hands, or surfaces.

In some cases, the infections in these individuals can be dangerous.

This is because, in cystic fibrosis, the health of the lungs is compromised.

The same strain is responsible for 10% to 20% of all ventilator-driven pneumonia cases.

How Common Are Pseudomonas Infections?

When the bacteria affect the lungs, pneumonia can result.

When a person develops an infection in the skin after a burn wound, the effects could be grave.

These are typically mild and dont lead to long-term effects.

The bacteria can be found in catheters used in hospital configs and can enter the urinary tract this way.

A urinary catheter is a equipment that’s inserted into the bladder through the urethra to excrete urine.

They are typically used in hospitals:

Transmission: Where Do Pseudomonas Come From?

Pseudomonasare typically found in soil, water, and other environmental substances.

In healthcare configs, the spread ofPseudomonascan occur through contaminated hands, equipment, or surfaces.

Sepsis is a severe reaction to an infection and can cause multiple organ failure or be fatal.

For that reason, several different first-line therapies can be used to clear up the infection.

Because they can evade medication and thrive, they are challenging to treat.

To address this issue, antipseudomonal drugs are used.

Early trials with this throw in of therapy show promise.

Limiting Exposure to Pseudomonas

Limiting your exposure toPseudomonasis the best way to prevent infection.

People who are immunocompromised and those who are hospital inpatients are at high risk for infection.

2024 Jun 4;12(6):e0009624.

doi: 10.1128/spectrum.00096-24

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.Pseudomonas.

Parte, A.C., Sarda Carbasse, J., Meier-Kolthoff, J.P., Reimer, L.C.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol.

Microbiology (Reading).

2020 Jan;166(1):30-33. doi: 10.1099/mic.0.000860.

Erratum in: Microbiology (Reading).

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PMID: 31597590; PMCID: PMC7273324

HealthLink BC.Pseudomonas Infection.

American Lung Association.Pneumonia symptoms and diagnosis.

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Swimmer’s ear.

Medline Plus.Malignant otitis externa.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.FAQs about catheter-associated urinary tract infection.