Concentrations of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa toxin pyocyanin in human ear secretions
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Updated: Oct 15, 2026
Methods for Detecting Cytotoxic Amyloids Following Infection of Pulmonary Endothelial Cells by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Published on: July 12, 2018
A Reimer1, B Edvaller, B Johansson
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital of Malmö, Sweden. ake.reimer@vellinge.mail.telia.com
Abstract:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common bacterium in chronic otitis media. Several extracellular factors have been described. Pyocyanin (Pyo) is the blue pigment that gives the bacterium its name "the pyocyanous bacteria". Pyo is known to have an inhibitory effect on the activity of cilia. It is a zwitterion that might easily penetrate biological membranes. Samples of ear secretions for culture and analysis of the concentration of Pyo were collected from 17 patients with different ear infections. Concentrations varied from 3 to 2714 nmol/g, with a mean of 905 nmol/g. For comparison, concentrations were also measured in bacteriological filtrates of P. aeruginosa obtained from wounds and urine specimens. Concentrations in filtrates varied from 13 to 8114 nmol/g, mean 1968 nmol/g. The results indicate that pyocyanin might act as virulence factor that compromises ciliary function and enables the microorganism to establish itself within the ear.
Insights
Pyocyanin (Pyo), a pigment from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, inhibits cilia activity. This study found significant Pyo concentrations in ear infections, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Otolaryngology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of chronic otitis media.
- Extracellular factors, including pyocyanin (Pyo), contribute to P. aeruginosa virulence.
- Pyocyanin is a blue pigment known to inhibit ciliary function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify pyocyanin concentrations in ear secretions from patients with otitis media.
- To investigate the potential role of pyocyanin as a virulence factor in ear infections.
Main Methods:
- Collected ear secretion samples from 17 patients with ear infections.
- Measured pyocyanin concentrations using biochemical analysis.
- Compared Pyo levels in ear secretions with those in P. aeruginosa filtrates from wound and urine specimens.
Main Results:
- Pyocyanin concentrations in ear secretions ranged from 3 to 2714 nmol/g (mean 905 nmol/g).
- Pyocyanin concentrations in P. aeruginosa filtrates from other sources ranged from 13 to 8114 nmol/g (mean 1968 nmol/g).
- These findings indicate the presence and potential significance of Pyo in otitis media.
Conclusions:
- Pyocyanin is present in ear infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Pyocyanin may act as a virulence factor by impairing ciliary function.
- This impairment could facilitate the establishment of P. aeruginosa in the ear.
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