Pseudomonas putida. Newly recognized pathogen in patients with cancer

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology

Background:

• Pseudomonas putida is an opportunistic pathogen.
• Cancer patients are susceptible to infections due to compromised immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and characteristics of Pseudomonas putida bacteremia in cancer patients.
• To determine the clinical presentation, sources of infection, and outcomes.
• To evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of blood cultures from cancer patients between 1980 and 1985.
• Clinical data collection on patient demographics, infection type, and treatment.
• In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolated Pseudomonas putida strains.

Main Results:

• Fifteen cancer patients developed Pseudomonas putida bacteremia.
• Eight patients had septicemia, with three cases linked to venous catheter infections.
• All patients achieved rapid recovery following appropriate therapy.
• 90% of isolates were susceptible to piperacillin, ceftazidime, imipenem, and ciprofloxacin.

Conclusions:

• Pseudomonas putida can cause significant bloodstream infections in cancer patients, often associated with medical devices.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including catheter removal when indicated, lead to favorable outcomes.
• Key antibiotics demonstrate high in vitro efficacy against these isolates.