Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Flashcards
Characteristics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa?
- Gram negative
- Ubiquitous soil microbe
- Motile
- Obligate aerobes
Oxidase positive - Lactose nonfermenter
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is chronically colonized in the lungs of who?
COPD and CF patients
P. aeriginosa in the sputum of CF patients exists primarily as what?
Biofilm
Pseudomonas is associated with what complications?
“B-PSEUDO”
- Burn wounds
- Pneumonia (in CF)
- Sepsis (black lesions on skin)
- External otitis (swimmers ear)
- UTI
- Drug use and Diabetes
- Osteomyelitis
- Hot Tub folliculitis
What is the mechinism of P. aeriginosa Exotoxin A?
Inactivates elongation factor EF-2
same as diphtheria
What are the VF’s associated with P. aeruginosa?
- Alginate/biofilm
- Neuraminidase
- Exotoxin A
- Exoenzyme S
- Pyocyanin
What toxin P. aeruginosa toxin likely contributes to to the dermatonecrosis that occurs in burn wounds?
Exotoxin A
Chronic Pseudomonas infections are characterized by the formation of what?
Antibodies to LasA and LasB
The two elastases in P. aeruginosa that degrade elastin are what?
- LasA (serine protease)
- LasB (zinc mealloprotease)
What is the blue-green pigment P. aeruginosa produces?
Pyocyanin!! - it has a grape like odor
What does Pyocyanin do?
Catalyzes the production of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Also stimulates IL-8 release
What is the yellow-green pigment P. aeruginosa produces?
Pyoverdin
What is the treatment of P. aeruginosa?
Anti-pseudomonal penicillins with aminoglycosides
The multi drug efflux pump on P. aeruginosa does what?
shuttles antibiotics out. Consists of AcrB, (2) AcrA, and TolC on outer membrane
Transmission of P. aeruginoa?
- Water aerosols
- Raw vegetables
- Flowers
