Microbiology

Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a rod-shaped gram-negative aerobic bacillus measuring 0.5 to

0.8Nm by 1.5 to 3.0µm. Motility is by a single polar flagellum species are distinguish by
biomedical and DNA hybridization test. Antisera to lipopolysaccharide and outer membrane
proteins show cross reactivity among serovars. The Cells Produce pigments that are water-
soluble and thus, diffuse through the media. It is an opportunistic pathogen and a model
bacterium for studying virulence and bacterial social traits.

Biochemical Test Reactions

Biochemical Test Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Catalase Positive (+ve)
Oxidase Positive (+ve)
Indole Negative (+ve)
Citrate Positive (+ve)
Urease Negative (+ve)
MR Negative (+ve)
VP Negative (+ve)
Coagulase Negative (+ve)

Pathogenesis
It is an opportunistic pathogen. The bacteria take advantage of an individual’s compromised
or weakened immune system to create an infection and this organism also produces
damaging toxins.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa has several virulence factors but their roles in pathogenesis are
under. An alginate is antiphagocytic and most stains isolated produce toxin a diphtheria-
toxin-like exotoxin. All strains have endotoxin, which is a major virulence factor in
bacteremia and septic shock.

Clinical Manifestations
Symptoms of P. aeruginosa vary based on the type of infection. It may cause;

Respiratory tract infection

 Pneumonia is observed in patients with immune suppression and chronic lung
diseases. Patient have rales, honcho, fever, cyanosis, retractions and hypoxia.
 Shock may develop in patients with bacteremia pneumonia.
 Chest pain.
 Cough sometimes with yellow, green and bloody mucus
 Difficulty in breathing.
Urinary tract infections can cause;
 Strong urge to urinate frequently.
 Painful urination.
 Unpleasant odor in urine
 Cloudy or bloody urine

Wound infections can cause;

 Inflamed wound size
 Fluid leakage from wound

Ear infections (like swimmers’ ear) can cause;

 Ear pain
 Decreased hearing
 Redness or swelling of outer ear
Diagnosis
Culture: Blood culture in blood agar to identify the bacteria, culture of wound
swabbing.
Serological test to detect which antibiotics are likely to be effective which is known
(susceptibility test)

Treatment
 First line treatment
 Aminoglycosides
 Beta-lactams (penicillin)

Prevention
Wash your hands often: this is the best way o prevent the spread of germs use soap
and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Keep wounds clean: If you can get a cut or scrape, be sure to clean it and cover with
bandage.
Avoid sharing personal items: Don't let other's use personal items like razors or
towels
Use antibiotics only as needed: If your doctor prescribes antibiotics take the
prescribed
Swim safely: If going into a hot pool make sure it's properly chlorinated and
maintained