Differential Diagnosis for Green Pus
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa: This bacterium is known for producing a greenish pigment called pyocyanin, which can cause pus to appear green. It is a common cause of infections in people with compromised immune systems, such as those with cystic fibrosis or severe burns.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: This bacterium can also produce a greenish pigment and is often found in people with compromised immune systems.
- Burkholderia cepacia: This bacterium can cause infections in people with cystic fibrosis and can produce a greenish pigment.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Aeromonas hydrophila: While less common, this bacterium can cause severe infections, including sepsis, and can produce a greenish pigment.
- Vibrio vulnificus: This bacterium can cause severe, life-threatening infections, particularly in people with liver disease or compromised immune systems, and can produce a greenish pigment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Chromobacterium violaceum: This bacterium is rare in human infections but can produce a violet pigment that may appear greenish in certain lighting conditions.
- Flavobacterium spp.: Some species of Flavobacterium can produce pigments that may appear greenish, but these infections are rare and typically occur in people with compromised immune systems.