The ability of virulence factor expression by Pseudomonas aeruginosa to predict clinical disease in hospitalized patients
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
Use of Artificial Sputum Medium to Test Antibiotic Efficacy Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Conditions More Relevant to the Cystic Fibrosis Lung
Published on: June 5, 2012
Michel Ledizet1, Thomas S Murray, Sailaja Puttagunta
1L2 Diagnostics, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America.
Background:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that frequently causes hospital acquired colonization and infection. Accurate identification of host and bacterial factors associated with infection could aid treatment decisions for patients with P. aeruginosa cultured from clinical sites.
Methods:
We identified a prospective cohort of 248 hospitalized patients with positive P. aeruginosa cultures. Clinical data were analyzed to determine whether an individual met predefined criteria for infection versus colonization. P. aeruginosa isolates were tested for the expression of multiple phenotypes previously associated with virulence in animal models and humans. Logistic regression models were constructed to determine the degree of association between host and bacterial factors with P. aeruginosa infection of the bloodstream, lung, soft tissue and urinary tract.
Results:
One host factor (i.e. diabetes mellitus), and one bacterial factor, a Type 3 secretion system positive phenotype, were significantly associated with P. aeruginosa infection in our cohort. Subgroup analysis of patients with P. aeruginosa isolated from the urinary tract revealed that the presence of a urinary tract catheter or stent was an additional factor for P. aeruginosa infection.
Conclusions:
Among hospitalized patients with culture-documented P. aeruginosa, infection is more likely to be present in those with diabetes mellitus and those harboring a Type 3 secretion positive bacterial strain.
Insights
Hospitalized patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa are more likely to have an infection if they have diabetes mellitus or a Type 3 secretion system positive bacterial strain.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections.
- Identifying factors for P. aeruginosa infection is crucial for effective treatment.
- Distinguishing between colonization and infection is key for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify host and bacterial factors associated with P. aeruginosa infection in hospitalized patients.
- To differentiate between P. aeruginosa colonization and infection.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 248 hospitalized patients with P. aeruginosa cultures.
- Analysis of clinical data to define infection versus colonization criteria.
- Phenotypic testing of P. aeruginosa isolates for virulence factors.
- Logistic regression to assess associations between host/bacterial factors and infection.
Main Results:
- Diabetes mellitus was a significant host factor associated with P. aeruginosa infection.
- A Type 3 secretion system positive phenotype was a significant bacterial factor.
- Urinary catheter or stent use increased risk for urinary tract P. aeruginosa infection.
Conclusions:
- Diabetes mellitus and Type 3 secretion system positivity increase the likelihood of P. aeruginosa infection.
- These findings aid in clinical decision-making for patients with P. aeruginosa.
- Urinary tract interventions are risk factors for localized P. aeruginosa infection.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing
01:13Sensitivity, Specificity, and Predicted Value
Sensitivity is the...
01:28Regulation of Bacterial Virulence
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment