Pseudomonas folliculitis: an outbreak and review

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Recreational water facilities can harbor pathogens.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen.
• Folliculitis outbreaks have been linked to contaminated water.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate an outbreak of folliculitis.
• To identify the causative agent and source of infection.
• To inform public health and clinical practice regarding waterborne infections.

Main Methods:

• Case investigation and surveillance.
• Microbiological sampling of water and patient lesions.
• Serotyping of isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains.

Main Results:

• An outbreak of folliculitis occurred in 62% of individuals exposed to a health spa swimming pool.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa serogroup O-11 was identified as the causative agent, isolated from both patients and the pool.
• Affected individuals presented with papulopustular rash, otitis externa, and mastitis.

Conclusions:

• Inadequate chlorination of the health spa swimming pool led to a Pseudomonas aeruginosa outbreak.
• The findings underscore the importance of proper water disinfection in preventing recreational waterborne illnesses.
• Increased use of home whirlpools and hot tubs may lead to more frequent encounters with such infections.