Here is a picture of the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas is a gram negative rod shaped bacteria. You will find this bacteria living in soil and also on the human body. Pseudomonas is an opportunistic infection, this means that the bacteria is generally not a threat, however if you are somehow compromised, say an open wound, a burn, or an illness, Pseudomonas will gladly step in and set up shop. This bacteria seems to really enjoy moist environments, which make wounds and burns a prime place to reside.

10% of nosocomial infections, or hospital acquired, are caused by Pseudomonas. Pseudomonas is the leading cause of ICU pneumonia.


Some other Pseudomonas infections include

1. Skin and soft tissue - the second most likely cause of infection in burn patients. Also "hot tub rash" almost always pseudomonas related.
2. Lung infections - as stated earlier, most common cause of ICU acquired pneumonia, also very commonly seen in children with cystic fibrosis.
3. UTI (urinary tract infection)- nosocomial, generally catheter related.
4. Eye and ear - a large portion of swimmers ear is caused by Pseudomonas.

Pseudomonas wound and burn infection will generally be visible as a blue-green drainage and have a very prominent smell. Pseudomonas is rapidly becoming resistant to many drugs and generally must be treated tandemly.

Info found at medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Pseudomonas+Infections (link added to this post)