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Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections of intact skin
1Section of Infectious Disease and Clinical Microbiology, Gundersen Clinic/Lutheran Hospital, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601, USA.
Abstract:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections of healthy skin are uncommon. We report four cases of P. aeruginosa infections of intact skin. These cases illustrate the clinical spectrum of these cutaneous infections: localized, mild epidermal infections (the green nail syndrome and webbed space infections), moderately serious infections (cutaneous folliculitis and otitis externa), and, in immunocompromised patients, extremely serious infections (malignant otitis externa, perirectal infection, and ecthyma gangrenosum).
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) skin infections are rare in healthy individuals. This report details four cases, highlighting the diverse clinical presentations of P. aeruginosa cutaneous infections.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen.
- Cutaneous infections by P. aeruginosa in healthy individuals are uncommon.
- Understanding the spectrum of these infections is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- Four cases of P. aeruginosa infections of intact skin were observed.
- Infections ranged from mild epidermal involvement to severe systemic conditions.
- Clinical presentations included green nail syndrome, webbed space infections, folliculitis, otitis externa, malignant otitis externa, perirectal infection, and ecthyma gangrenosum.
Findings:
- P. aeruginosa can cause a wide range of cutaneous infections.
- Severity of infection correlates with host immune status, being more severe in immunocompromised patients.
- The study categorizes infections into localized mild, moderately serious, and extremely serious types.
Implications:
- Early recognition of P. aeruginosa skin infections is vital.
- Prompt and appropriate treatment can prevent progression to severe disease.
- This case series expands the understanding of P. aeruginosa's dermatological manifestations.