Where is pseudomonas aeruginosa found in the body

Symptoms depend on which part of the body is infected. Antibiotics are used to treat the infections. Pseudomonas infection could be fatal in people who are already very ill.

Infections in the skin tend to be less severe than infections that occur in the blood or lungs. Specific symptoms depend on where the infection occurs:.

A bacterial infection of the blood is called bacteremia. A blood infection is one of the most severe infections caused by pseudomonas. Symptoms may include:. Bacteremia with pseudomonas can also cause very low blood pressure , known as hemodynamic shock, which can lead to failure of other organs including the heart , kidneys , and liver.

Infection of the lungs is called pneumonia. Symptoms include:. When this bacterium infects the skin, it most often affects the hair follicles.

This is called folliculitis. Symptoms of an eye infection may include:. Pseudomonas infections are caused by a free-living bacterium from the genus Pseudomonas.

They favor moist areas and are widely found in soil and water. Only a few of the many species cause disease. The most common species that causes infection is called Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Healthy people are usually at low risk of infection. People who already have a weakened immune system because of another illness or condition are at a higher risk of infection. This is especially true for people who are hospitalized for an extended period of time. The bacteria can be spread in hospitals via the hands of healthcare workers, or by hospital equipment that is not properly cleaned. Pseudomonas infections are considered opportunistic infections.

Very mild illnesses like skin rashes and ear infections have been reported in healthy individuals. The infection might occur after exposure to hot tubs and swimming pools that are inadequately chlorinated. Pseudomonas can infect any part of the body including the liver, brain, bones, and sinuses.

Infection of these sites and those not mentioned, however, is much less common than the infections listed above. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask you about your medical history and recent symptoms. They may take a sample of pus, blood, or tissue , and send it to a laboratory.

The laboratory will then test the sample for the presence of pseudomonas. Who is more susceptible to infection from Pseudomonas aeruginosa? Epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pseudomonas aeruginosa is primarily a nosocomial pathogen.

Incubation Period Usually hours. Diagnosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Diagnosis of P. Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pseudomonas aeruginosa is frequently resistant to many commonly used antibiotics. Contact Us. About Us. Crisis Management. Food Safety. Food Ingredient Safety. Food Packaging. Public Health. The more dirty and moist those places become, the more bacteria live and breed there. Therefore, whether it is in the intensive care unit or at the local swimming pool, cleanliness is vital.

It is essential for all doctors and nurses to practice good hand hygiene. Other hospital staff will keep equipment clean and ensure that patient rooms are as germ-free as possible. People staying in the hospital and their families should follow instructions about frequent hand-washing.

Anyone with an infection, including the common cold, should avoid visiting patients in the hospital. It is essential to change dressings regularly and monitor wounds for any early signs of infection. Outside hospitals, people should be careful about using swimming pools or hot tubs that appear dirty or poorly maintained.

Pseudomonas bacteria are generally harmless. When they do cause an infection, it is usually mild in people who are otherwise healthy. However, Pseudomonas infections can be severe in people with a weakened immune system. It is essential for anyone at risk of complications to see a doctor as soon as possible. Infection refers to an invasion of the body by harmful microorganisms or parasites.

The severity can range from mild to fatal. Treatment depends on…. Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that causes the body to produce thick and sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and obstruct the pancreas.

Klebsiella oxytoca is a type of bacteria that can cause infections if found outside of the intestines. Learn about the symptoms, risks, and treatment. Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause a mild bacterial infection in the lung, but more severe symptoms of pneumonia can also result. Most cases will resolve…. Pseudomonas infections: What to know. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.

Share on Pinterest Pseudomonas is a type of bacteria that can cause infections. Risk factors.