Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Antibiotic

The pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria is a gram negative bacterium that is commonly found inhabiting soil, water and the surface of the skin apart from being widespread in nature. It can cause diseases in both animals and humans and is generally found targeting those with compromised immunity. It is often referred to as an opportunistic bacterium because of this tendency, as a result of which it does not affect healthy individuals. It generally manifests in symptoms that cause inflammation and infection of the blood or sepsis, but in some cases, infection can spread to internal organ systems which can be extremely dangerous, sometimes even fatal. Because of its ability to inhabit practically any surface, this bacterium is also found on medical equipment that is not sterilized and raises the dangers of cross contamination. As with gram negative bacteria, administering antibiotics can help in controlling the infection and curbing the spread.

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Susceptibility

Treatment of a bacterial infection is dependent on the identification of the causative agent. Typical symptoms of pseudomonas aeruginosa infection include skin turning pale blue, swollen eyelids, sudden weight loss, difficulty in breathing, headaches and irritability. But the generic nature of these symptoms can often cause difficulties in accurate diagnosis. In the case of bacteria, gram staining is carried out to understand the course of action to follow as disease treatment will vary for gram negative versus gram positive bacterial strains. In many cases, pseudomonas aeruginosa is found in swab tests that are taken from the mouth, skin or sputum, but since it is habitually found on the skin surface, it could potentially represent a colonization and not an infection. Generally, a microbiologist is called to deal with identification of the infection. However, if the bacteria is found in the blood, bone or other associated tissue, it is a potentially serious condition that requires treatment with an antibiotic. Typical pseudomona aeruginosa infections that can be treated with antibiotics include:

• Urinary tract infections
• Infections of the upper respiratory tract
• Dermatitis
• Gastrointestinal infections

Certain people are at high risk for infection with this bacterium, this includes those with cystic fibrosis as well as those with AIDS and Cancer, since these diseases typically reduce immunity.

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Antibiotic

The sensitivity of this antibiotic is low because of a protective outer covering and an inherent nature of resistance, which makes it able to take on most routine medication. As a result medication is often provided in the form of combination of two or more antibiotics, or high dosage of a single antibiotic in order to effectively combat the resistance. These are some antibiotic strains that prove their effectiveness against this bacteria, which are listed below.

• Gentamicin
• Amikacin
• Ciprofloxacin
• Colistin
• Meropenem
• Aztreonam
• Polymyxin B

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is resistant to all forms of penicillin except for certain ureidopenicillins and carboxypenicillins. Almost all antibiotic medication must be administered by injection, however, in the case of superficial infection, topical ointments may be used to an effective degree. In the case of a serious infestation, surgery may be the only recourse available, wherein the damaged tissue needs to be removed. When the infection has spread to vital organ systems, these antibiotics may be insufficient in themselves; amputation may be necessary if the infection has affected a limb to a severe degree.

Depending on the severity of the pseudomonas infection, the course of medication may continue over the course of up to 3 months. Understanding the sensitivity and susceptibility of this virulent strain of bacteria can help greatly in its effective removal.