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Pseudomonas Infections

Opportunistic and hospital-acquired infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Pseudomonas Infections?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium that lives in water and moist environments. It rarely causes infection in healthy individuals but produces serious clinical pictures in immunosuppressed patients, cystic fibrosis patients and the hospital environment.

It causes lung infections (especially ventilator-associated pneumonia), urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, burn and wound infections, otitis externa and corneal infections.

Multidrug resistance is an important issue; treatment usually requires hospital-level combination antibiotic therapy.

Symptoms

Cough, purulent sputum, dyspnea in lung involvement
Dysuria and fever in urinary tract infection
Purple-green colored necrosis (ecthyma gangrenosum) in skin involvement
Greenish discharge and foul odor in burn wounds
Otitis externa (malignant external ear canal infection)
Eye pain and blurred vision (contact lens-related keratitis)
Septic shock (severe cases)

Risk Factors

Immunosuppression and neutropenia
Cystic fibrosis
Hospitalization and mechanical ventilation
Long-term urinary catheterization
Burn wounds
Diabetes (particularly in otitis externa)
Contact lens use

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When a diabetic patient has severe external ear canal infection
  • When greenish discharge and foul odor begin in a wound or burn
  • Fever and malaise in a neutropenic patient
  • Eye pain and blurred vision in a contact lens user
  • Unexplained fever in a hospitalized patient

Treatment Methods

01
Active antipseudomonal beta-lactams (piperacillin-tazobactam, ceftazidime, cefepime, carbapenems)
02
Combination with aminoglycoside or fluoroquinolone if needed
03
New agents for multidrug-resistant cases (ceftolozane-tazobactam, ceftazidime-avibactam)
04
Surgical debridement (in wounds and abscesses)
05
Infection control and isolation
06
Management of risk factors

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.