Pseudomonas Aeruginosa & Urinary Tract Infections

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterial organism that is responsible for causing infections in individuals with low immune function. Common infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are pneumonia, wound infection, sepsis and urinary tract infection.

Epidemiology

• UTI caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa occurs more commonly in those with low immune function such as hospitalized patients, particularly those with an indwelling urinary catheter. Approximately 9 percent of UTIs in hospital patients are due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, according to Dr. Driscoll and colleagues from Washington University School of Medicine. The rate is higher among patients with indwelling urinary catheters (10.5 percent versus 4.1 percent).

Symptoms

• Typical symptoms of UTI are painful urination, increased urinary frequency, visible blood in the urine and flank pain.

Diagnosis

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be identified as the specific cause of UTI by using a urine gram stain and culture. These procedures are performed by a clinical laboratory following collection of a urine sample.

Treatment

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa is resistant to many antibiotics. Thus, treatment must be adjusted to fit the antibiotic sensitivity of the isolated organisms and treatment progress should be monitored regularly.

Prevention

• UTI from Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be prevented by maintaining immune system function, removing indwelling catheters as soon as they are no longer needed, and reducing exposure to infectious organisms in those with impaired immune function.