3.26 Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Microbiology review for the USMLE Step 1 Exam
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an encapsulated gram-negative oxidase positive rod that causes a variety of diseases.
- It can be found in soil, hospitals, and water, and it particularly likes water.
- P. aeruginosa can enter the body through contact with water, inhalation of respiratory droplets, or by medical equipment.
- The symptoms of infections caused by P. aeruginosa are caused by the toxins it secretes, including phospholipase C, exotoxin A, and endotoxin.
- P. aeruginosa causes community-acquired infections such as hot tub folliculitis, otitis externa, lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients, osteomyelitis, and skin infections.
- It causes nosocomial infections such as ventilator-associated pneumonia and catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
- P. aeruginosa is associated with skin infections in burn victims
