Preventing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections in Hospitals

Dec. 19, 2011 - PRLog -- According to some reports, as many as one in ten hospital-acquired infections are associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.  The bacteria are a common microorganism that can cause disease in humans.  

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be readily found in soil, water, skin flora and many man-made environments.  It has the ability to utilize a wide range of organic materials for food.   In humans and animals this versatility enables the microorganism to infect damaged tissues and infect those with weakened immune systems.

Since it thrives on many types of surfaces, this type of bacteria has been known to be found on and in medical equipment, including catheters.  This can cause cross-infections in hospitals and clinics and result in post surgical infections.  

The symptoms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are generalized inflammation and sepsis. It is an opportunistic, nosocomial pathogen of immunocompromised individuals.  It is known to infect the pulmonary tract, urinary tract, burns, wounds, and also causes other blood infections.  If colonization occurs in critical body organs, including the lungs, urinary tract or kidneys, the results can at times be fatal.  Cystic fibrosis patients appear to be predisposed to lung infections from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

“Because Pseudomonas aeruginosa is so readily found in many environments it is essential that places with people with immunocompromised people do everything they can to prevent infections,” reported Susan White, Ph.D., CMC.  Dr. White is the President of Sussex Environmental Health Consultants (SEHC), a leading indoor air quality (IAQ) and environmental infectious disease prevention consulting firm serving the Mid-Atlantic region.  “Pseudomonas can even, in rare circumstances, cause community-acquired pneumonias.  Proactive monitoring of hygiene and disinfection procedures, as well as testing for Pseudomonas on medical instruments and indoor surfaces can help prevent outbreaks and infections,” she continued.

SEHC recently sponsored a public outreach video about Pseudomonas aeruginosa that can be viewed at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4vlv0gDvGI



To learn more about SEHC’s environmental infectious disease prevention services or other IAQ, environmental, and health and safety services, please visit http://www.sussexenvironmental.com, email susan.white@mchsi.com or call (302) 947-1810.

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About Sussex Environmental Health Consultants, LLC
SEHC is a certified woman owned business that provides environmental and health and safety consulting services. The company is located in the Mid-Atlantic and services customers nationwide. SEHC provides solutions to clients ranging from homeowners to international Fortune 500 Corporations.