Where does Pseudomonas occur?

From the Guidelines

Pseudomonas, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is ubiquitous and can be found in many water reservoirs in the inanimate and human environment, including soil, water, plants, and moist environments, as well as in healthcare settings such as sinks, respiratory equipment, and cleaning solutions 1.

Key Environments where Pseudomonas Occurs

• Water reservoirs polluted by humans or animals, such as with sewage, are the most frequent environmental sources of P. aeruginosa 1
• Healthcare settings, including sinks, respiratory equipment, cleaning solutions, and even some disinfectants 1
• Soil, water, plants, and moist environments 1
• Human skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract, especially in hospitalized or immunocompromised individuals 1

Factors Contributing to Pseudomonas Occurrence

• Humid conditions that allow the bacterium to thrive and form biofilms on various surfaces 1
• Intrinsic resistance to many antibiotics and disinfectants, making it a persistent challenge in healthcare settings and for individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis 1

Clinical Significance of Pseudomonas

• Significant cause of healthcare-associated infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, and bloodstream infections 1
• Major concern for individuals with cystic fibrosis, as it is the most frequently described opportunistic pathogen in these patients, leading to chronic respiratory infection and significant morbidity and mortality 1

From the FDA Drug Label

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other Pseudomonas spp. Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas occurs in various parts of the body, including:

• Lower Respiratory Tract
• Skin and Skin-Structure
• Urinary Tract
• Bone and Joint
• Central Nervous System 2

  Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa

• Urinary Tract
• Lower Respiratory Tract
• Skin and Skin Structure
• Bone and Joint
• Intra-abdominal 3

From the Research

Occurrence of Pseudomonas

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can be found in various environments, including:
  • Natural waters such as lakes and rivers 4
  • Soil 5
  • Hydrocarbon and pesticide-contaminated environments 5
  • Feces 5
  • Human and animal habitats 5
  • Health care settings, such as hospitals 6, 7, 8
  • Moist surfaces, including respirators, sink and tub drains, and disinfectants 8
  • Dry surfaces, including plastic and stainless steel 8
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa can also be found in:
  • Whirlpools and hot tubs, particularly when chlorine concentrations are low 4
  • Swimming pools and water slides 4
  • Drinking water, although its presence is usually related to colonization of biofilms in plumbing fixtures rather than the distribution system or treated drinking water 4
• The bacterium is often associated with human activity and can be found in places with intense human contact, such as:
  • Hospitals 6, 7, 8
  • Areas with high human population density 5

Environmental Reservoirs

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa can survive in various environmental reservoirs, including:
  • Water 4
  • Soil 5
  • Biofilms in plumbing fixtures 4
  • Moist surfaces 8
  • Dry surfaces, although it requires some degree of desiccation tolerance 8
• The bacterium can also be found in:
  • Animals and humans, particularly in those with compromised immune systems 6, 7
  • Contaminated medical devices and equipment 6, 7