Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

WHAT IS IT?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram negative rod shaped bacterium.

Gram stain of Pseudomonas aeurgunosa showing gram negative rods (source)
Gram stain of Pseudomonas aeurgunosa showing gram negative rods (source)
CULTURE CHARACTERISTICS

Non-lactose fermenting 

Oxidase positive 

Grape-like odor

MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS

Aerobic bacteria

Encapsulated 

Biofilm production: 

Type III secretion system (injectosome) 

Exotoxin A: inactivates elongation factor (EF2). Results in host cell death. Similar to toxin of C. diptheriae

Produces pyocyanin: blue green pigment 

Endotoxin: causes fever and shock

Phospholiapse C: degrades cell membranes 

TRANSMISSION
CONDITIONS CAUSED

Pneumonia (ventilator assisted): patients who are intubaed long-term can develop pneumonia from this bug

Otitis Externa: this pathogen is the most common cause of this condition.

“Hot tub folliculitis”: this is a superficial pseudomonas infection of the hair follicle. 

Ecthyma gangrenous: this is a cutaneous necrotic disease with a strong associating with this microbe. 

TREATMENT

Fluoroquinolone 

OTHER HY FACTS

 

ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS 

This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.

 

Page Updated: 11.06.2016