The following article provides information regarding the pseudomonas aeruginosa antibiotic.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram negative bacterium that is commonly found in soil, water, and the surface of the skin, apart from being widespread in nature. It can cause diseases in both animals and humans, and is generally targets those with compromised immunity. It is often referred to as an opportunistic bacterium because of this tendency, as a result of which it does not affect healthy individuals. In case of this bacterial infection, the inflammation and infection of the blood or sepsis can occur. In some cases, infection can even spread to the internal organ systems, which can be extremely dangerous, and sometimes even fatal. Because of its ability to inhabit practically any surface, this bacterium is also found on medical equipment that is not sterilized, and raises the dangers of cross contamination. As with gram negative bacteria, administering antibiotics can help to control the infection and curbing the spread.
Susceptibility
The treatment process is dependent on the causative agent’s identification. Typical symptoms include pale blue skin, swollen eyelids, sudden weight loss, difficulty in breathing, headaches, and irritability. But, the generic nature of these symptoms can often cause difficulties in its accurate diagnosis. In the case of bacteria, gram staining is carried out to understand the course of action to follow, as disease treatment will vary for gram negative versus gram positive bacterial strains. In many cases, pseudomonas aeruginosa is found in swab tests that are taken from the mouth, skin, or sputum, but since it is habitually found on the skin surface, it could potentially represent a colonization and not an infection. Generally, a microbiologist deals with the identification of the infection. However, if the bacteria is found in the blood, bone, or other associated tissue, it is a potentially serious condition that requires treatment with an antibiotic.
Typical infections of this bacteria that can be treated with antibiotics include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Infections of the upper respiratory tract
- Dermatitis
- Gastrointestinal infections
Certain people are at high risk of infection; this includes those with cystic fibrosis, AIDS, and Cancer, since these diseases typically reduce immunity.
Antibiotic
The sensitivity of this antibiotic is low because of a protective outer covering and an inherent nature of resistance, which makes it able to take it on the most routine medications. As a result, medication is often provided in the form of combination of two or more antibiotics, or high dosage of a single antibiotic in order to effectively combat the resistance. These are some antibiotic strains that prove their effectiveness against this bacteria, which are listed below.
- Gentamicin
- Amikacin
- Ciprofloxacin
- Colistin
- Meropenem
- Aztreonam
- Polymyxin B
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is resistant to all forms of penicillin, except for certain ureidopenicillins and carboxypenicillins. Almost all antibiotic medications must be administered by injection. However, in the case of superficial infection, topical ointments may be used to an effective degree. In the case of a serious infestation, surgery may be the only recourse available, wherein the damaged tissue needs to be removed. When the infection has spread to vital organ systems, these antibiotics may be insufficient in themselves; amputation may be necessary if the infection has affected a limb to a severe degree.
Depending on the infection severity, medication may continue over the course of up to 3 months. Understanding the sensitivity and susceptibility of this bacterium can greatly help in its effective removal.