Published on Sep 04, 2015 and last reviewed on Jun 25, 2019 - 5 min read
Abstract
This article discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Pseudomonas infection. This infection can affect the respiratory tract, heart, central nervous system, etc.
Gessard first discovered this infection in 1882. Pseudomonas infection is one type of bacterial infection which is caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium. Mostly normal people have this infection without knowing. It is mostly found in moist environment such as from soil, plants, animals, and water. It causes serious infection that sometimes produces life threatening conditions. Doctors may find difficulties in treating such conditions because these organisms are resistant to most of the antibiotic drugs.
More than 20 species of pseudomonas are found but, only aeruginosa causes the most common infection. Healthy people may get this infection and people whose immunity are very low may have higher chances of getting this infection. The person gets infected when the bacteria has proper path to enter into the body such as through intravenous lines, urinary catheters, burn injuries, endotracheal tubes, dialysis tubes, etc. The bacteria may be found in hot water tubs and swimming pools, they may cause ear infection or skin rash. Organisms may enter into eyes via non sterile contact lenses leading to severe eye infection. Most commonly, aeruginosa type infection occurs in patients hospitalized for more than 7 days. It is also found in patients with low immunity due to diseases such as AIDS, other respiratory diseases, patients on immunosuppressants, etc. It is associated high mortality rate because treatment is very difficult to resolve this condition.
Symptoms depend upon the location of infection. There are wide varieties of symptoms found with this infection.
Antibiotics are widely used to treat pseudomonas infection.
To know more about pseudomonas infections, consult a general medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/general-medicine-physician
Diseases and infections caused by Pseudomonas bacteria are called pseudomonas infections. These bacteria are present in the soil, water and do not usually cause infection in healthy people. It commonly infects people with weak immune systems or who are already hospitalized for other illnesses.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is the most common nosocomial infection, which means infection acquired in a hospital. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacteria, which causes complicated and life-threatening infections.
Antibiotics that kill and prevent the growth of these bacteria are used in its treatment. For severe and resistant cases, combination therapy is done. Depending on the symptoms and the body part affected, Aminoglycoside, Penicillins, Ceftazidime, Ciprofloxacin, etc., are used.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause pneumonia, urinary tract infection (UTI), wound infection, ear infection, bacteremia, meningitis, brain abscess, bone infection, and skin infection. The symptoms depend on the type of infection.
In an otherwise healthy individual, pseudomonas infection is usually mild. But immunocompromised people, this infection can be severe and life-threatening.
Generally, a combination of antibiotics is used. An antipseudomonal beta-lactam like Penicillin or Cephalosporin and Aminoglycoside antibiotics are used to treat pseudomonas infection.
No, you have to take antibiotics to get rid of the infection. If left untreated, pseudomonas infection can be fatal.
Pseudomonas bacteria are naturally found in the soil, plants, water, etc. It can enter the body through infected instruments in the hospital or by not washing the hands properly and can cause infection.
If left untreated, severe forms of this infection can be fatal as it can result in brain abscess, meningitis, or bacteremia.
Antibiotics like Penicillin, Cephalosporin, and Aminoglycoside are effective against Pseudomonas.
Last reviewed at:
25 Jun 2019 - 5 min read
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