Pseudomonas aeruginosa: symptoms, diseases and infections

this Pseudomonas aeruginosa It is a Gram-negative bacterium that lives naturally in soil or water, growing primarily in moist environments such as bathrooms, untreated swimming pools, or jacuzzis, and can cause infection, especially in those with weakened immune systems people.

Main infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa They are pneumonia, urinary tract infection, bacterial cellulitis, erysipelas, gangrenous ecthyma, otitis externa, bacterial endocarditis or sepsis, most often associated with nosocomial infections.

The symptoms of this bacterial infection vary depending on the organ affected and is treated by a general practitioner or infectious disease specialist using antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria.

symptom Pseudomonas aeruginosa

symptoms of infection Pseudomonas aeruginosa yes:

• Fever or chills;
• excessive fatigue;
• Cough with yellow or bloody discharge, chest pain, or difficulty breathing;
• red, painful, or swollen eyes or sudden loss of vision;
• diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting;
• muscle or joint pain;
• Drop in blood pressure, weak heartbeat, or drowsiness;
• Ear pain or discharge or hearing loss;
• Blisters and pus appear on the skin.

These symptoms vary depending on the type of infection and the organs affected by the bacteria.

If you have a urinary tract infection caused by: Pseudomonas aeruginosa Symptoms such as pain or burning during urination, abdominal pain, or blood in the urine may also occur. Look for other symptoms of a urinary tract infection.

How to confirm diagnosis

Diagnosis of infection Pseudomonas aeruginosa It is performed by a general practitioner or infectious disease specialist through assessment of symptoms, physical examination, medical history, surgery or medical procedure, or admission to hospital.

To confirm the diagnosis, doctors should perform tests such as a complete blood count and a microbiological evaluation of urine, sputum, skin secretions, eyes, or ears, or perform a lumbar puncture to determine whether bacteria are present.

In addition, other tests may be ordered, such as a chest X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, echocardiography, or renal ultrasound.

diseases caused Pseudomonas aeruginosa

diseases caused Pseudomonas aeruginosa yes:

• pneumonia;
• urinary infections;
• Skin infections from surgical scars or severe burns;
• Folliculitis, bacterial cellulitis, erysipelas, or gangrenous ecthyma;
• meningitis or brain abscess;
• Enteritis or enterocolitis;
• Endocarditis;
• osteomyelitis;
• otitis externa or otitis media;
• Bacterial keratitis or keratoconjunctivitis.

Apart from, Pseudomonas aeruginosa It can also enter the bloodstream, causing bacteremia, and be transported to different parts of the body, causing widespread infection or sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Learn what sepsis is and how to treat it.

how it spreads

transmission Pseudomonas aeruginosa It can occur through contact with soil or water contaminated with this bacteria, such as in unchlorinated swimming pools, hot tubs, or in moist environments such as sinks, bathrooms, kitchens, or humidifiers.

This bacterium rarely causes infection in healthy people and mainly affects people with weakened immune systems or those with cuts or wounds on their skin or mucous membranes.

Therefore, it is one of the bacteria most associated with hospital infections because of its ability to survive in poorly sterilized medical equipment or devices (such as catheters or ventilators); expired disinfectants or inadequate hygiene practices by health professionals.

¿Pseudomonas aeruginosa Is it contagious?

this Pseudomonas aeruginosa It is contagious and can be passed from one person to another through contact with hands or skin contaminated by the bacteria and contaminated surfaces.

Who is most at risk?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are more common in people with weakened immune systems due to health conditions, including:

• cystic fibrosis;
• HIV or AIDS;
• use of immunosuppressive drugs;
• kidney or liver disease;
• cancer;
• Poorly controlled diabetes;
• transplant;
• severe burns;
• Surgery;
• The length of hospital stay is prolonged.

In addition, newborns, pregnant women, and the elderly are also at higher risk of infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa Because the immune system is more fragile.

People who use urinary or intravenous catheters and receive mechanical ventilation are also at increased risk of contracting this bacteria.

How treatment works

Infection treatment Pseudomonas aeruginosa It must be done under the supervision of a family doctor or an infectious disease specialist, and antibiotics, including ear drops, eye drops, creams, ointments, tablets, or intravenous injections, depending on the type of infection, are used to eliminate the infection. Infections, bacteria.

Therefore, antibiotics that your doctor may recommend include polymyxins, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, penicillins, cephalosporins, or carbapenems.

If bacteria develop resistance Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the doctor may change the antibiotic or use more than one antibiotic in combination. Find out what superbugs are.

Other treatments your doctor may recommend include removing catheters or medical devices or surgery to treat bedsores, draining abscesses, treating intestinal perforation or obstruction, debriding the skin to remove dead tissue, or in the most severe cases, amputation of the affected person’s limbs.. Member .