Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium, a common inhabitant of soil, water, and various other environments. Its ubiquity contributes to its ability to infect humans. It’s particularly problematic in healthcare settings due to its resistance to many antibiotics.
This opportunistic pathogen targets individuals with weakened immune systems, causing a wide range of infections. These include pneumonia, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and wound infections. Its virulence stems from several factors.
Adherence and Biofilm Formation: P. aeruginosa adheres strongly to surfaces, including host tissues, forming biofilms – complex communities shielded from antibiotics and the host’s immune system. This biofilm formation significantly hinders treatment.
Exotoxins: The bacterium produces various exotoxins, including exoenzyme S and exotoxin A, which damage host cells and tissues, contributing to disease severity.
Antibiotic Resistance: P. aeruginosa displays intrinsic and acquired resistance to numerous antibiotics. This inherent resistance, coupled with the ability to rapidly acquire resistance genes, makes treatment challenging and necessitates careful antibiotic selection.
Treatment Options: While P. aeruginosa infections can be severe, effective treatment relies on prompt identification and the administration of appropriate antibiotics. Specific antibiotic choices depend on the site of infection and antibiotic susceptibility testing results. Combination therapy is often necessary to overcome resistance.
Prevention: Strict infection control measures in healthcare facilities and careful hygiene practices are crucial in minimizing the spread of P. aeruginosa. Preventing infections in vulnerable populations is paramount.
