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Colonization of intensive care unit patients by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
1Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine and Allied Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Colonization and infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found at several sites by selective culture in 32 of 66 patients in an intensive care unit. Twenty-four patients (75%) were colonized on admission, and eight patients (25%) acquired P. aeruginosa during hospitalization. Positive rectal cultures were more frequent than at any other site. The most common P. aeruginosa serotypes were 1, 2, 3 and 5, and pyocin types 1, 3, 5 and 10 were predominant. There were no significant differences in the serotypes or pyocin types detected on admission or acquired during hospitalization. The serotypes and pyocin types from the respiratory tract (trachea and nasopharynx) were different from those found in the rectum. Intubated patients were colonized more frequently than those not intubated and upper respiratory tract colonization correlated strongly with low initial arterial pH values.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa frequently colonizes intensive care unit patients, particularly in the rectum. Upper respiratory tract colonization is linked to intubation and lower arterial pH.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Intensive Care Medicine
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen frequently causing infections in healthcare settings.
- Understanding colonization patterns is crucial for infection control in intensive care units (ICUs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence, sites, and characteristics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization in ICU patients.
- To identify risk factors and specific strains associated with P. aeruginosa colonization.
Main Methods:
- Selective culture techniques were used to detect P. aeruginosa in various patient sites.
- Serotyping and pyocin typing were performed to characterize the P. aeruginosa strains.
- Patient data, including intubation status and arterial pH, were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- P. aeruginosa colonized 32 of 66 ICU patients (48.5%).
- Rectal colonization was most frequent; 75% of colonized patients had P. aeruginosa on admission.
- Intubated patients showed higher colonization rates, and respiratory colonization correlated with low arterial pH.
Conclusions:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common colonizer in ICUs, with rectal carriage being predominant.
- Specific serotypes and pyocin types were identified, with no significant differences between admitted and acquired strains.
- Intubation and acidosis are risk factors for respiratory tract colonization by P. aeruginosa.