Pseudomonas and Related Opportunists Flashcards
T/F: Pseudomonas is an obligate aerobe
TRUE
How does P. aeruginosa appear on gram stain?
Gram negative rod
T/F P. aeruginosa is oxidase negative
FALSE
T/F P. aeruginosa is non-motile
FALSE
P. aeruginosa is lactose _____
Negative
Describe the distinctive odor of P. aeruginosa
Fruity/Grape odor
What kind of pigment does P. aeruginosa produce?
Blue and green, water-soluble, fluorescent pigments
_____ is an alginate polymer that forms a slimy, polysaccharide extracellular matrix around P. aeruginosa that aids in its ability to form biofilms.
Alginate
What kind of diseases can P. aeruginosa cause?
- PSEUDO
- Pneumonia (esp. in CF)
- Sepsis (LPS)
- External Otitis (Swimmer’s ear)
- UTI (Catheter’s)
- Drug use (endocarditis) & Diabetic
- Osteomyelitis
_____ is a rapidly progressing respiratory tract infection caused by P. aeruginosa that is typically seen in neutropenic/cancer patients.
Primary bacteremic RTI
What kind of RTI is caused by P. aeruginosa and is the leading cause of death in CF patients?
Chronic RTI
Primary non-bacteremic RTI caused by P. aeruginosa is seen in what patient popularions? What kind of lesions are seen in the lungs?
- Mechanically ventilated pts.
- Focal lesions w/micro-abscesses
What virulence factor of P. aeruginosa functions as an ADP-ribosyl transferase?
Exotoxin A (Shares mechanism of action with diphtheria toxin)
What virulence factor of P. aeruginosa is a detergent-like glycolipid that interferes with the air interface of alveoli, kills alveolar macrophages, and inhibits cilia and phagocytosis?
Rhamnolipid
What are the treatment options for P. aeruginosa infection?
- Aggressive antibiotic therapy
- Extended spectrum beta-lactam and aminoglycoside
- Fluoroquinolones
- Carbapenems
- Colistin (Polymixin)
- Last line of defense
- Surgical intervention
- Abscess drainage
- Debridement
- Amputation
