Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Pseudomonas aeruginosa - a motile gram-negative bacterium, is conditionally pathogenic. It is widespread in nature, lives in soil and water, on plants, in the gastrointestinal tract of both animals and humans. It is perhaps the most mobile microorganism of those that can be observed in water samples taken from natural sources.
What is the difference from other opportunistic bacteria, why does the Pseudomonas aeruginosa attract such close attention of doctors and scientists? Treatment of pathological processes caused by this microorganism is extremely difficult, the stick is multi-resistant to antibiotics. Along with mycobacterium tuberculosis and individual strains of staphylococci, it belongs to the most resistant bacteria to chemotherapy today. But even on this list, she often takes a leading place.
This is due to the presence of a biofilm, which plays a protective role, as well as the barrier that liposaccharides of the outer membrane create. Moreover, there are strains that are resistant to almost all antibiotics known today.
However, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the treatment of which with drugs is not an easy task, is sensitive to phenol (2% solution), 3% hydrogen peroxide and chloramine (0.5% solution). In the environment, in particular in water and a humid atmosphere, the bacterium is able not only to persist for a long time, but also to multiply. The temperature 37 ° C is considered optimal for its development , but even at 42 ° C the stick is able to grow.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: symptoms
The role of bacteria in the development of hospital infections is very significant , the danger in terms of infection is represented by sinks, bathrooms, faucet handles, wet objects (towels, for example). Local lesions often occur at the site of burns and postoperative sutures, cuts, wounds. Often find a stick with otitis media, pyoderma, dermatitis. As a result of trauma or surgery, the bacterium can cause infection of the eyes as well as the urinary tract (often when using a catheter).
Serious inflammatory processes, which may be caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, include endocarditis (damage to the heart valves), pneumonia, brain abscess, meningitis, gastrointestinal tract, joints. In general, a local infection caused by this coli quite often leads to bacteremia - infection of the whole organism in connection with the penetration of an infectious agent into the blood.
A characteristic feature of this bacterium is the release of strong endo- and exotoxins, hemolysin, cytotoxins, high proteolytic activity, the synthesis of hyaluronidase, the ability to synthesize a starch-like substance in the form of mucus, which increases its adhesive properties, as well as a number of pigments. Lesions caused by this microorganism occur with severe symptoms of intoxication, high fever. In particular, Pseudomonas etiology pneumonia is always severe, morning peaks of fever, cyanosis and shortness of breath are observed. High mortality (up to 50-60%) is observed with meningitis, and in the case of a patient's recovery, persistent residual effects in the form of gross neurological disorders are noted.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: treatment
First of all, it is necessary to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to drugs by laboratory means. Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as a rule, requires the appointment of several (at least two) antibiotics. In acute, life-threatening cases, when there is no time to wait for the results of crops, antibiotics are prescribed, to which the bacterium is usually sensitive, in extremely maximum doses. These include penicillin preparations of the fifth and sixth generation (amdinocillin, pitracillin, azlocillin). Often carbenicillin is also effective. Cephalosporins are also used - cefzulodine, ceftazidime. They are often combined with aminoglycosides. Effective and intravenous use of ciprofloxacin. After receiving the results of sowing, the treatment regimen is specified.
With sluggish, chronic, self-healing infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, treatment is not always required. In many cases, a single antibiotic is sufficient. Recently, bacteriophage Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been widely used for treatment. However, it should be remembered that in this case a determination of the pathogen sensitivity to the biological product is also required.