How to Diagnose Pseudomonas Infections

Pseudomonas infections are caused by any bacteria in the Psuedomonas genus, especially Psuedonomas aeruginosa. These bacteria are widespread in soil and water throughout the world. They favor moisture and can live in chlorinated pools. Psuedomonas also is found in the intestines of 10 percent of all healthy people. However, it rarely causes harm. The following steps will show how to diagnose pseudomonas infections.

Instructions

• 1

  Expect Pseudomonas to cause only minor infections in healthy people. Swimmer's ear is an infection of the external ear canal that causes pain and drainage. Hot-tub folliculitis produces an itchy skin rash with tiny pimples that may contain pus in the centers.

• 2

  Look for ulcers in the eye. Pseudomonas is frequently transmitted to the eyes through a contaminated contact lens or fluid.

• 3

  Realize that Pseudomonas can cause serious infections in patients with suppressed immune systems, especially those with diabetes. It can cause infections in the blood, bones, ears, eyes, heart valves, lungs and urinary tract.

• 4

  Check for a fruity odor in wound dressings. Pseudomonas can infect deep puncture wounds.

• 5

  Inspect the underarm and groin for purple-black spots about 3/8 inch in diameter on the skin of burn and cancer patients. This is the most dangerous type of pseudomonas infection. The infection can become septicemic and cause hypotension, shock and death.

• 6

  Confirm a diagnosis of Pseudomonas infection by growing a culture from a blood sample. These bacteria are gram negative, do not ferment lactose, have a positive oxidase reaction and can grow at 42 degrees Celsius.