infectious diseases
Pseudomonas and Related Infections
Key Points
MostP. aeruginosainfections occur in hospitalized patients, particularly those who are debilitated or immunocompromised, but patients with cystic fibrosis or advanced HIV may acquire the infection in the community. Infection can develop in many sites, varying with the portal of entry (eg, skin in burn patients, lungs in patients on a ventilator, urinary tract in patients who have had urologic manipulation or obstructive uropathy); overwhelming gram-negative sepsis may occur. Surface infections (eg, folliculitis, external otitis, corneal ulcers) may develop in healthy people. Diagnose using cultures. Treat systemic infection with parenteral therapy using a single drug (eg, an antipseudomonal beta-lactam, a fluoroquinolone). 