Pseudomonas Aeruginosa - New Legionella?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium often found in soil and groundwater. P. aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen and it rarely affects healthy individuals. It can cause a wide range of infections, particularly in those with a weakened immune system, e.g. cancer patients, newborns and people with severe burns, diabetes mellitus or cystic fibrosis.

P. aeruginosa infections are sometimes associated with contact with contaminated water. In hospitals, the organism can contaminate devices that are left inside the body, such as respiratory equipment and catheters. P. aeruginosa is resistant to many commonly-used antibiotics.

 

Currently, the Department of Health has released a number of guidance documents for NHS Trusts to effectively manage their water systems and have procedures in place to identify possible areas of risk and implement effective precautionary measures. Such measures include, performing a clinical risk assessment, undertaking a regular sampling regimes in 'at risk areas' and implementing actions for undesirable results.

Many of the actions and assessment required for Legionella Control are similar to the requirements for Pseudomonas. Those who have effective Legionella Control are part of the way to also having Pseudomonas control also.