Top Facts about Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria. It is ubiquitous in soil, water, and vegetation. 

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is also found as a part of normal microflora in humans and rarely causes any infection in healthy individuals. However, it is identified as the most common causative pathogen involved in nosocomial infections.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is contagious and transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, hands, water, and medical equipments. Individuals can even acquire Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection from the consumption of contaminated food, fruits, and vegetables.

Biofilm production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is primarily responsible for causing both acute and chronic infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms are composed of polysaccharides, proteins, extracellular DNA and exopolysaccharides and hold a high level of resistance nearly to all antibiotics.

People with an immune compromised system (e.g. diagnosed with AID) are at greater risk of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and its complications. However, there is a whole of factors that may trigger the infections such as –

• Having open surgical wounds
• Patients assisted with mechanical ventilators, urinary catheters or other medical devices
• Having cystic fibrosis
• Undergoing chemotherapy
• Having diabetes
• Suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 

6 Interesting Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442) facts you may not know

1. In 1882, Carle Gessard first isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa from wound infections of soldiers whose bandages had a blue and green color.

2. The most distinctive feature of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is to produce a pyocyanin pigment, a water soluble blue green phenazine compound.

3. P. aeruginosa is a cause of skin conditions such as hot tub rash and swimmer’s ear which appear after coming into contact with bacteria-contaminated water.

4. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a mesophilic bacterium, growing at temperatures between 4°C and over 42°C.

5. These bacteria display good resistance to a wide range of antibiotics. The increased prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is becoming a  significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients.

6. As per 2019 AR threats reports, multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa caused an estimated 32,600 infections among patients and 2,700 estimated deaths in the United States.

Also Read: Top Facts about Klebsiella pneumoniae

Uses of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442) Microorganism at MIS lab

The  rapid emergence of multidrug-resistance (MDR) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains has become a major public health concern and requires necessary infection control steps

The innovation of antimicrobial finishes are found quite useful in reducing the risk of exposure to this potentially harmful bacteria. Antimicrobial agents hold the ability to reduce or kill the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria after coming in contact with them.

At MIS, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442)  is used as a challenge microorganism for following tests –

• Antimicrobial fabric and textile tests like ASTM E2149, ISO 20743, JIS L 1902, AATCC 100, AATCC 147.

• Antimicrobial efficacy testing of disinfectants and antiseptics like EN 1276, EN 16615, EN 13697, AOAC Use Dilution Test (AOAC 955.14; 955.15; 964.02).

• Efficacy tests for antibacterial treated plastics like JIS Z 2801, ASTM G21, ASTM G29, ISO 846, ASTM E2180.

• Antibacterial efficacy tests for coating material such as ASTM E3031, ISO 22196.

• Minimum Inhibitory Concentration Test (MIC) and Zone of Inhibition test.

• Preservative efficacy testing (USP 51).

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