Multidruginosa Infections

Most P. aeruginosa infections occur in hospitalized patients, particularly those who are immunocompromised. P. aeruginosa is a common cause of infections in ICUs. HIV-infected patients, particularly those in advanced stages, are at risk of community-acquired P. aeruginosa infections. P. aeruginosa infections can develop in many anatomic sites, including skin, subcutaneous tissue, bone, ears, eyes, urinary tract, and heart valves. The site varies with the portal of entry and the patient’s vulnerability (Bush et al, 2016). Healthy people can also develop mild illnesses with P. aeruginosa, especially after exposure to water. Ear infections, usually in children, and generalized skin rashes may occur after exposure to inadequately chlorinated hot tubs or swimming pools. Eye infections have occasionally been reported in people using extended-wear contact lenses. Unfortunately, in hospitalized patients, P. aeruginosa infections, like those caused by many other nosocomial bacteria, are becoming more difficult to treat because of increasing antibiotic resistance. Multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa can be deadly for patients in critical care. An estimated 51,000 healthcare-associated P. aeruginosa infections occur in the United States
P. aeruginosa can often develop resistance to multiple types of antibiotics. It can even sometimes develop resistance during the course of treatment (Lister et al, 2002). The choice on treatment depends on results from testing samples of blood, pus, or tissues. Treatment may involve one or more of the following types of antibiotics: ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, aminoglycosides, cefepime, aztreonam, carbapenems, ticarcillin, ureidopenicillins. Mild skin infections may resolve on their own without treatment. Usually antibiotics are applied topically, taken by mouth, or given intravenously, depending on what system of the body is infected (Cafasso,