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Updated: Mar 30, 2026
Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice
Published on: March 17, 2014
[Two Cases of Rapidly Progressive Community-acquired Pneumonia Due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa]
Abstract:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant causative bacterium in hospital-acquired pneumonia and nursing and healthcare-associated pneumonia, but it seems to be rare in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We report two cases of severe CAP due to P. aeruginosa. Case 1: A 52-year-old man was referred to our hospital for chest and back pain. He was being treated for diabetes mellitus and had a long history of smoking. Chest images showed consolidation in the right upper lobe. Soon after hospitalization, he developed sepsis shock and died seven hours later. Case 2: A 73-year-old man with a history of heavy smoking was referred to our hospital for right chest pain. Chest images showed right upper lobe pneumonia. Although wide-spectrum antimicrobial agents were administrated, he died ten hours after admission. In both cases, there was a rapid progression to death, despite administration of a broad spectrum of antibiotics and treatment for sepsis. In cases of CAP involving the right upper lobe, the possibility of bacteremia and rapid progress should be considered.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), particularly in the right upper lobe. This rare but aggressive bacterial infection can lead to rapid sepsis and death, even with prompt antibiotic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a known pathogen in healthcare-associated pneumonia but is infrequently implicated in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
- This report focuses on severe CAP cases attributed to P. aeruginosa, highlighting its potential severity in the community setting.
Observation:
- Two cases of elderly male patients with significant smoking history presented with severe CAP, specifically involving the right upper lobe.
- Both patients experienced rapid deterioration, developing sepsis shock and succumbing to the infection within hours of admission, despite broad-spectrum antibiotic administration.
Findings:
- P. aeruginosa was identified as the causative agent in two distinct cases of severe CAP.
- The clinical course in both cases was characterized by rapid progression to death, underscoring the aggressive nature of these infections.
- Despite aggressive medical interventions, including antibiotics and sepsis management, mortality was high.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider P. aeruginosa in the differential diagnosis of severe community-acquired pneumonia, especially when right upper lobe involvement is present.
- The possibility of bacteremia and rapid clinical decline should be recognized in such cases.
- This highlights the need for vigilance and potentially tailored treatment strategies for P. aeruginosa CAP.
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