Pseudomonas aeruginosa
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This bacteria enters through the mouth and nose. To keep away from sickness as a result of being contaminated by this bacteria, minimize exposure to it. This is possible by avoiding direct and indirect contact with patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) because Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major pathogen in the lung infected with CF. Also, avoid hot tubs as the bacteria can survive in them if the pH and chlorine content are not strictly controlled. Hand hygiene and environmental cleaning are crucial to preventing illness from the bacteria.
The symptoms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa depend on the location of the infection. All infections from this bacteria in general make the person very sick if it is spread through the bloodstream, or blood poisoning (also called septicemia). Some symptoms include: increased cough, congestion, fever, pyocyanin (blue pus), earaches, chills, confusion, and shock.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacteria. The term gram-negative refers to bacteria that do not have a violet stain, which is determined from Gram's method, a staining technique used to identify bacteria.
The most effective treatment refers to the use of aminoglycosides, such as amikacin, tobramycin, and gentamicin. Aminoglycosides are antibiotics that are active against gram-negative bacteria. They also inhibit protein synthesis; once they are inside the bacterial cells, they bind to ribosomes, which are fundamental to protein synthesis, killing the bacteria. These antibiotics are given either through an IV or a nebulizer, which is a device for producing a spray of liquid of the medicine. Another treatment that has an effect is the use of quinolones, such as ciprofloxacin. The advantage of this is that it is given by mouth.
The death rate related to Pseudomonas aeruginosa ranges from 18% to 61%.