Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection

P. aeruginosa is an aerobic Gram-negative rod. Skin infections occur in persistently moist lesions (infantile umbilicus, burns, macerated toe webs, external ear canal, auricle). In immunocompromised hosts it causes severe/fatal infection; it is a major nosocomial pathogen after surgery/tracheostomy/catheters.

Common Symptoms

Complicated UTI; shock; nodule; pustule; corneal ulcer; keratitis; meningitis

Causes and Pathogenesis

P. aeruginosa is a Gram-negative aerobe found in soil/dust/water and transiently on skin (perineum, genitalia, axilla, ear canal). Usually nonpathogenic; causes disease when resistance falls. Classic strains produce blue-green pyocyanin and yellow-green fluorescein. Systemic infection causes septicemia with fever, jaundice, splenomegaly, and pneumonia/UTI/meningitis. Skin infections prefer moist sites.

Treatment

Antibiotics, symptomatic, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

P. aeruginosa is ubiquitous and spread by many nosocomial routes: strict instrument/dressing disinfection; staff handwashing; aseptic technique; isolate patients; burn dressings; treat primary disease; remove triggers. Polyvalent/monovalent vaccines exist; combined with high-titer antiserum they enhance immunogenicity. Endotoxin/OPE chemical vaccines also have some protective effect.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Infectious Diseases department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.