Pseudomonas

Reservoir

Water and humid conditions (e.g., hot tubs, contaminated contact lens solution)

Lophotrichous flagella (motile)
Aerobic
Catalase positive
Oxidase positive
Produces pyocyanin (blue-green pigment) → formation of blue‑green pus in infection
Sweet odor when grown in culture
Nonlactose fermenting

Mucoid polysaccharide capsule → biofilm formation
- Conversion to a mucoid phenotype that produces an alginate polysaccharide, which strengthens biofilm structure and aids in the inhibition of opsonization and phagocytosis
Endotoxin → fever, shock
Exotoxin A: inactivates EF-2 → inhibition of protein synthesis → death of host cells
Phospholipase C: degrades cell membranes

Upper respiratory infections
- Nosocomial pneumonia (e.g., ventilator associated pneumonia)
- Chronic pneumonia in individuals with cystic fibrosis
Skin infections
- Nosocomial burn wound infections
- Hot tub folliculitis
- Ecthyma gangrenosum in immunocompromised individuals
Corneal ulcers and/or keratitis in contact lens wearers or after eye injuries
Malignant otitis externa in elderly individuals with diabetes
Endocarditis or osteomyelitis in individuals who use IV drugs
Nosocomial UTI
Sepsis

Respiratory tract infections in people with underlying conditions:
- Cystic fibrosis patients (most common)
- Bronchiectasis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
External ear infections:
- Swimmer's ear (otitis externa), especially in frequent swimmers
- Hot tub folliculitis
Eye infections:
- Contact lens-related keratitis
- Corneal infections after trauma or surgery
Skin and soft tissue infections:
- Burns
- Deep puncture wounds, especially if contaminated with water
- Infections after surgery in moist areas
Healthcare-associated infections:
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia
- Catheter-associated urinary tract infections
- Post-surgical wound infections