Pseudomonas aeruginosa

This organism can be found in all sorts of natural environments, from the soil, fresh vegetables and plants to the sinks and drains of hospitals.

  

The organism can live in the gut of healthy individuals, but it is more common in hospitalised patients. Infections are mainly seen in the immunocompromised and debilitated patients.

 

Infections include pneumonia, infections of intravenous lines, eyes, urinary tract, surgical wounds and bacteraemia.

 

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is naturally resistant to many common antibiotics, particularly those that can be taken orally, hence treatment often depends on the use of intravenous antibiotic therapy.

  

Prevention and control of infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa requires careful use of antibiotics, effective management of the airway in ventilated patients, attention to hospital hygiene and compliance with infection control policies and procedures.