Related Experiment Videos
Pseudomonas putida. Newly recognized pathogen in patients with cancer
Abstract:
Pseudomonas putida was recovered from blood culture specimens between 1980 and 1985 in 15 patients with cancer. No isolates were found in specimens obtained before 1980. Eight patients were considered to have septicemia (more than one positive blood culture result plus clinical signs of infection). Septicemia was monomicrobial in three of those eight patients and polymicrobial in five. Of these eight patients, one had pneumonia and three had phlebitis, cellulitis, or both at the site of the venous catheter. The infection appeared to be catheter-related in these three patients, with response to catheter removal in one patient, response to catheter removal and antibiotics in one patient, and response to antibiotics alone in one patient. P. putida was isolated from the site of insertion and the tip of the catheter in one of these three patients. Following therapy, all patients had a rapid recovery from their infection. In vitro susceptibility testing revealed that 90 percent of the isolates were susceptible to piperacillin, ceftazidime, imipenem, and ciprofloxacin.
Insights
Pseudomonas putida bloodstream infections occurred in 15 cancer patients between 1980-1985. Most infections were catheter-related, but all patients recovered after treatment.
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.