Pseudomonas Surgical Infection
A hospitalized patient recovering from surgery develops an infection that has blue-green pus and a grapelike odor. What is the probable etiology? How might the patient have acquired this infection?
The probable etiology of the infection described is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common opportunistic pathogen. The blue-green pus and grapelike odor are hallmark signs of a Pseudomonas infection, as this bacterium produces pigments such as pyocyanin (blue) and pyoverdine (green) and a distinctive fruity or grapelike smell.
How the Patient Might Have Acquired the Infection:
- Hospital Environment (Nosocomial Infection): Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly found in hospital settings, especially in moist environments like sinks, medical equipment, and catheters. The patient may have been exposed to contaminated surfaces, instruments, or medical devices, such as ventilators or urinary catheters.
- Compromised Immune System: Patients recovering from surgery often have weakened immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to opportunistic infections like Pseudomonas…
The probable etiology of the infection described is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common opportunistic pathogen. The blue-green pus and grapelike odor are hallmark signs of a Pseudomonas infection, as this bacterium produces pigments such as pyocyanin (blue) and pyoverdine (green) and a distinctive fruity or grapelike smell.
How the Patient Might Have Acquired the Infection:
- Hospital Environment (Nosocomial Infection): Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly found in hospital settings, especially in moist environments like sinks, medical equipment, and catheters. The patient may have been exposed to contaminated surfaces, instruments, or medical devices, such as ventilators or urinary catheters.
- Compromised Immune System: Patients recovering from surgery often have weakened immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to opportunistic infections like Pseudomonas…
The probable etiology of the infection described is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common opportunistic pathogen. The blue-green pus and grapelike odor are hallmark signs of a Pseudomonas infection, as this bacterium produces pigments such as pyocyanin (blue) and pyoverdine (green) and a distinctive fruity or grapelike smell.
How the Patient Might Have Acquired the Infection:
- Hospital Environment (Nosocomial Infection): Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly found in hospital settings, especially in moist environments like sinks, medical equipment, and catheters. The patient may have been exposed to contaminated surfaces, instruments, or medical devices, such as ventilators or urinary catheters. Pseudomonas Surgical Infection
- Compromised Immune System: Patients recovering from surgery often have weakened immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to opportunistic infections like Pseudomonas…
