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General Information

Pseudomonas [sodo−moh−nas] is a Gram-negative bacterium (bacillus) that can cause different types of healthcare-associated infections. The most common species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is commonly found in soil and ground water. It rarely affects healthy people and most community acquired infections are associated with prolonged contact with contaminated water. P. aeruginosa is increasingly important clinically as it is a major cause of both healthcare-associated infections and chronic lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis. Although P. aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen (i.e. more likely to infect those patients who are already very sick as opposed to healthy patients), it can cause a wide range of infections, particularly among immune-compromised people (HIV or cancer patients) and persons with severe burns, diabetes mellitus or cystic fibrosis. In hospitals the organism contaminates moist/wet reservoirs such as respiratory equipment and indwelling catheters and infections can occur in almost every body site but are particularly serious in the bloodstream (bacteraemia).

Transmission

In healthcare settings, Pseudomonas may spread through person-to-person contact. This may occur via the contaminated hands of healthcare personnel, or through direct contact with contaminated environmental surfaces or equipment. Patients may be exposed to Pseudomonas when they are on ventilators, or have intravenous catheters, urinary catheters, or wounds that are caused by either injury or due to surgical procedures.  Because these medical devices and conditions are associated with breaks in the skin or other mucous membranes, this may allow Pseudomonas to enter the body and cause infection. The effects of P. aeruginosa on people vary widely, ranging from no symptoms at all to serious respiratory infections, especially in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Prevention

To prevent spreading Pseudomonas infections between patients, healthcare personnel must follow specific infection control precautions. These precautions may include strict adherence to hand hygiene and wearing gowns and gloves when they enter rooms where patients infected with Pseudomonas are staying. Healthcare facilities must also follow proper cleaning procedures to prevent the spread of Pseudomonas.  Certain protocols should be followed to prevent device-associated infections, wound infections and SSIs. A breakdown in these protocols may lead to infections with Pseudomonas or other healthcare pathogens.

Drug-resistant Pseudomonas

Most infections are susceptible to third generation cephalosporins. P. aeruginosa is one of the more common causes of healthcare-associated infections and is increasingly resistant to many antibiotics.  P. aeruginosa is the second most common cause of pneumonia, the third most common cause of urinary tract infections and the eighth most frequently isolated pathogen from the bloodstream.  Rates of resistance to antibiotics are on the rise. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas is defined as resistance to at least three of four antibiotic classes.

Treatment

Pseudomonas infections that are not drug-resistant can be treated with antibiotics. Infections caused by MDR Pseudomonas can be very challenging. Therapeutic options are limited which may lead to prolonged hospitalization and even death.

Guidelines and Recommendations

There are no specific guidelines for this organism. Healthcare facilities must follow the general guidelines for hand hygiene, environmental hygiene, and guidelines for the prevention of device-associated infections and SSIs.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Pseudomonas is a Gram-negative bacillus which is susceptible to several Diversey disinfectants:

See table of recommended disinfectants in the PDF link below.

Related Resources

Pseudomonas 09_2018.pdf