Lecture 14 Pseudomonas and Chronic Infection Flashcards
What are Pseudomonas?
- Large, diverse genus within the gammaproteobacteria
- Found in a huge range of environments and climes (water, soil, air)
- Includes plant pathogens and commensal
- By and large do not cause disease in humans
- Pseudomonas species are frequently encountered as contaminants in the clinical laboratory
How do Pseudomonas become pathogens?
- are commensal, tiny fraction opportunistic, can exploit immunocompromised individuals
What is the opportunistic Pseudomonas?
P. aeruginosa
What is unique about P stutzeri?
Forms a coral reef colony
How is P aeruginosa Identified?
- Long, narrow GNR
- Oxidase + (differentiates from Enterobacteriaceae)
- Grows well at 42°C (optimally at 37°C, themo resistant)
- non-lactose fermenter
- Non-spore forming
- Beta hemolytic
- Aerobic
- Motile (single, polar flagellum)
What are the giveaways of P aeruginosa?
- smell likes grape or corn chips
- Metallic sheen on agar due to pigment
- Pyocyanin (blue-green) is typical
- serve as siderophores
What is unique about pyocyanin?
It is fluorescent under UV.
Where is P aeruginosa found?
They are found everywhere, Ubiquitous organism. Once found on flowers in hospital.
What is Hot tub folliculitis?
- Aka P. aeruginosa folliculitis
- Superficial infection of hair follicle root
- Inoculation from contaminated water (frequently hot tubs or swimming pools)
- Usually clears on its own, can treat with antibiotics
What is Swimmer’s ear?
- Aka Otitis Externa
- Superficial infection of external ear canal skin
- Inoculation from contaminated water
- Topical antibiotics indicated
What can P. aeruginosa cause in Sick/elderly/immunocompromised?
- UTI
- Pneumonia
- Wound infection (burn victims)
- Individuals with cystic fibrosis can cause chronic pulmonary infection.
How is CF caused?
is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, which regulates flow of water and Cl out of cell. This causes inefficient pumping, leading to thick mucous.
What are some major sx of CF?
- Pulmonary infections
* Pancreatic dysfunction and poor nutrition
How do people get CF?
-Genetic, common in caucasian. One of the most common inherited disease and can be highly fatal.
What is the pathophysiology of CF?
- Thick mucus builds up in airway
- Colonized by bacteria
- Causes chronic infection
- Progressive lung function decline
- Baseline vs. “exacerbation”