Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Pseudomonas aeruginosa -a mobile gram-negative bacterium, refers to opportunistic pathogens. In nature it is widely distributed, it lives in soil and water, on plants, in the gastrointestinal tract of both animals and humans. It is perhaps the most mobile microorganism among those that can be observed in samples of water taken from natural sources.
What is different from other conditionally pathogenicbacteria, why so much attention of doctors and scientists attracts a Pseudomonas aeruginosa? Treatment of pathological processes caused by this microorganism is extremely difficult, the rod is multidrug-resistant to antibiotics. Along with the mycobacterium tuberculosis and individual strains of staphylococci, it belongs to the most resistant bacteria to today's chemotherapy. But even on this list, it often takes the lead.
This is due to the presence of biofilms, whichperforms a protective role, as well as a barrier that creates liposaccharides of the outer membrane. And there are strains that are resistant to virtually all known antibiotics to date.
Nevertheless, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, treatmentwhich is a difficult task with preparations, is sensitive to phenol (2% solution), 3% hydrogen peroxide and chloramine (0.5% solution). In the environment, in particular in water and in a humid atmosphere, the bacterium is able not only to persist for a long time, but also to multiply. Optimal for its development is the temperature of 37 ° C, but even at 42 ° C the rod is capable of growing.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: symptoms
Very important role of bacteria in developmenthospital infections, the danger of infection are shells, toilets, crane handles, wet items (towels, for example). Local lesions often occur at the site of burns and postoperative sutures, cuts, wounds. Often find a stick for otitis, pyoderma, dermatitis. As a result of an injury or surgery, the bacterium can cause infection of the eyes, as well as of the urinary tract (often when using a catheter).
To serious inflammatory processes, the culpritwhich can become Pseudomonas aeruginosa, include endocarditis (defeat of the heart valves), pneumonia, brain abscess, meningitis, lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, joints. In general, the local infection caused by this rod, quite often leads to bacteremia - the infection of the whole organism due to the infiltration of the infectious agent into the blood.
A characteristic feature of this bacterium isthe isolation of strong endo- and exotoxins, hemolysin, cytotoxins, high proteolytic activity, the synthesis of hyaluronidase, the ability to synthesize a starch-like substance in the form of mucus, which increases its adhesive properties, as well as a number of pigments. The lesions caused by this microorganism occur with pronounced symptoms of intoxication, high fever. In particular, the pneumonia of Pseudomonas etiology is always severe, morning fever peaks, cyanosis and shortness of breath are observed. High lethality (up to 50-60%) is observed with meningitis, and in case of recovery of the patient, persistent residual phenomena are noted in the form of gross neurologic disorders.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: treatment
First of all, it is necessary to laboratorydetermine the sensitivity of the pathogen to the drugs. Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa usually requires the appointment of several (at least two) antibiotics. In acute, life-threatening cases, when there is no time to wait for the results of crops, prescribe antibiotics, to which the bacterium is usually sensitive, in the maximum maximum doses. They include preparations of the penicillin series of the fifth and sixth generation (amdinocillin, pitracillin, azlocillin). Carbenicillin is often effective. Apply and cephalosporins - cefzulodin, ceftazidime. They are often combined with aminoglycosides. Effective and intravenous use of ciprofloxacin. After receiving the results of the sowing, the therapy regimen is specified.
With lethargic, chronic, prone toself-healing infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, treatment is not always required. In many cases, the appointment of a single antibiotic is sufficient. Recently, bacteriophage Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been widely used for treatment. However, it should be remembered that in this case it is also necessary to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to the biological product.
