Epidemiology and Pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections

Nicholas M. Moore; Maribeth L. Flaws

doi:10.29074/ascls.24.1.43

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Nicholas M. Moore, MS, MLS(ASCP)⇑
1. Rush University, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Chicago, IL
Maribeth L. Flaws, PhD, SM(ASCP)SI
1. Rush University, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Chicago, IL

Address for Correspondence: Nicholas M. Moore, MS, MLS (ASCP), Department of Medical Laboratory Science, 600 S. Paulina St., Suite 1014, Chicago, IL 60612, 312-942-2111, Fax: (312) 942-6464, Nicholas_Moore{at}rush.edu

Upon reading this article, the reader should be able to:

List the infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Compare and contrast between infections caused by P. aeruginosa in healthy hosts with those in compromised hosts.
Discuss the purpose of the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).
Summarize the surveillance data reported by the NHSN and its predecessor National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System (NNIS) with regards to P. aeruginosa infections.
Explain the mechanisms used by P. aeruginosa to evade host defense mechanisms and colonize its host.

Extract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic nonfermentive gram negative bacillus that is responsible for a wide variety of infections in humans ranging from relatively uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) to severe and life threatening infections including neonatal sepsis and chronic lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. P. aeruginosa produces a number of membrane bound and secreted virulence factors that aid in the attachment of the organism to host cells, the invasion of tissue, and the inhibition of the immune response.

Epidemiology of P. aeruginosa It is almost impossible to prevent exposure to P. aeruginosa because it can be found anywhere. It is nonfastidious and requires little in terms of nutritional requirements, thus it can be found on inanimate objects such as hospital room sinks, toilets, showers and patient care equipment, especially respiratory ventilators. The surfaces of fresh fruits and vegetables may even harbor P. aeruginosa. The organism has a particular predilection for water and as a result, it has been isolated from soaps and disinfectants, contact lens solutions, cosmetics and hot tubs, all of which have been documented as sources of infection. Though not a major member of the human normal flora, it is most commonly found in small amounts in the gastrointestinal tract. It may transiently colonize a variety of moist skin surfaces including under the arm and on the perineum. The throat and nose have been shown to be sites that may be colonized with P. aeruginosa as well.¹

P. aeruginosa can cause infection in almost any part…

ABBREVIATIONS: HAI = Healthcare-associated infections, MRSA = methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, NNIS = National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System, CDC = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DSN = Dialysis Surveillance Network, NaSH = National Surveillance System for Healthcare Workers, NHSN = National Healthcare Safety Network

Upon reading this article, the reader should be able to:

List the infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Compare and contrast between infections caused by P. aeruginosa in healthy hosts with those in compromised hosts.
Discuss the purpose of the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).
Summarize the surveillance data reported by the NHSN and its predecessor National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System (NNIS) with regards to P. aeruginosa infections.
Explain the mechanisms used by P. aeruginosa to evade host defense mechanisms and colonize its host.