Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Microbiology / Bacteria / Gram Positive Cocci

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Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacillus that thrives in aquatic environments and is an obligate aerobic pathogen. This bacterium is oxidase-positive, catalase-positive, and produces a characteristic blue-green pigment (pyocyanin and pyoverdin) and a fruity grape-like odor when plated. Commonly causing nosocomial infections, it is also a major cause of lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients, and is associated with indwelling catheters and nosocomial UTIs. Other infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa include hot tub folliculitis, ecthyma gangrenosum, and otitis externa ("swimmer's ear"). Diabetics, IV drug users, and burn patients are at a higher risk of developing infections caused by this bacterium.

To treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, fluoroquinolones, antipseudomonal antibiotics piperacillin and ticarcillin, or a combination of aminoglycosides with beta-lactam antibiotics can be utilized. Exotoxin A of Pseudomonas aeruginosa inhibits elongation factor-2 through ADP ribosylation, a mechanism similar to that of diphtheria toxin.

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1. Pseudo Mona - Pseudomonas aeruginosa (a gram-negative bacillus)
2. Red bathtub - Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria are gram-negative bacilli
3. Water - Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrives in aquatic environments
4. Blue ring - Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria are oxidase-positive
5. Cat - Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria are catalase-positive
6. Blue-green residue - Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces a characteristic blue-green pigment (pyocyanin and pyoverdin)
7. Grapes - Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces a fruity grape-like odor when plated
8. Bellows - Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria are obligate aerobic pathogens
9. Nurse - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of nosocomial infections
10. Chloride/coughing - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of lung infection and respiratory failure in cystic fibrosis patients
11. Fish/candy/mortar and pestle - diabetics and IV drug users are at a higher risk of Pseudomonas osteomyelitis
12. Glass capsule - Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria are encapsulated
13. Fire - burn patients are at a higher risk of Pseudomonas aeruginosa wound infections
14. Chamber pot - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is associated with indwelling catheters and is a common cause of nosocomial UTIs
15. Bathtub - Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause a superficial infection of the hair follicle (characterized by a pruritic papulopustular rash) known as “hot tub folliculitis”
16. Dalmatian - Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis can lead to ecthyma gangrenosum, a rare cutaneous disease that presents with black, necrotic lesions
17. Running dalmatian - Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria are motile (swarming motility)
18. Ear trumpet - Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause otitis externa, or infections of the outer ear (also known as “swimmer’s ear”)
19. Bowtie/accordion - exotoxin A of Pseudomonas aeruginosa inhibits elongation factor-2 by ADP ribosylation (a mechanism similar to that of diphtheria toxin)
20. Piper - the antipseudomonal antibiotics piperacillin and ticarcillin are effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
21. Flower - fluoroquinolones can be used to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection
22. Sai - aminoglycosides can be combined with beta-lactam antibiotics to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection