Pseudomonas aeruginosa
MiF #1
Clinical Features :
Healthcare associated infections like UTI following catherization, burn infection, wound infection, ecthyma gangrenosum, infection in neutropenic pts; resp tract infection in cystic fibrosis pt, chronic suppurative otitis
Virulence Factors :
Alginate (biofilm), Exotoxin-A (mech like Diphtheria toxin) inhibits EF-2, LPS, pili, Elastase, Exoenzyme-S
Culture & Gram Reaction :
Sputum & blood samples used.
Obligate aerobe, grape like odor. Exuberant growth on ordinary media. Iridescent patch on nutrient agar. NLF on MacConkey.
Gram negative bacilli, motile polar flagella, noncapsulated, blue-green pigment produced.
Can grow on dettol or cetrimide selective media.
Biochemicals :
Catalase + Oxidase + (prompt rxn)
Nitrate reduced to nitrite Arginine dihydrolase test +
Control & Treatment
Killed at 55C in 1hr. Resistant to common antiseptics & disinfectants.
Susceptible to silver (used topically in burn pts).
Ceftazidime, Cefepime