The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes Pseudomonas as a type of bacteria that is found commonly in environment, like in soil and in water. Of the many different types of Pseudomonas, the one that most often causes infections in humans is known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause infections in the blood, lungs (pneumonia) and potentially other parts of the body. CDC reports that the bacteria are constantly finding new ways to avoid the effects of the antibiotics used to treat the infections they cause.

While Pseudomonas aeruginosa lives in the natural environment, it can also be found in the built environment where it can be spread to people, especially those in healthcare settings. Resistant strains of the bacteria can spread in healthcare settings from one person to another through contaminated hands, equipment or surfaces. As recently as 2017, multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa caused an estimated 32,600 infections among hospitalized patients and 2,700 estimated deaths in the United States alone. There have also been numerous products recalled over the years due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination.

Those most at risk of infection according to the CDC include patients in hospitals, especially those:
• on breathing machines (ventilators)
• with devices such as catheters
• with wounds from surgery or burns

CDC advises healthcare providers to pay careful attention to recommended infection control practices, including hand hygiene and environmental cleaning (e.g., cleaning of patient rooms and shared equipment) to reduce the risk of spreading these germs to patients.

These are just a few of the many things to know about Pseudomonas aeruginosa and potential exposure risks. To learn more about this or other infection control, industrial hygiene, environmental, health or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.

Clark Seif Clark https://www.csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. https://www.emsl.com
LA Testing https://www.latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental https://www.zimmetry.com
CTSI https://www.ctsiweb.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine https://www.healthyindoors.com