Multi Drug Resistant Psuedomonas

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A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Multi Drug Resistant Psuedomonas

Domain-Bacteria Phylum-Proteobacteria Class-Gamma proeobacteria Order-Pseudomonadales Family-Pseudomonadaceae Genus-Pseudomonas Species Group-Pseudomonas aeruginosa group

P. aeruginosa is an opportunistic, highly anti-biotic resistant bacterium and is primarily a nosocomial infection. This bacterium commonly affects immune-compromised patients and patient’s whose immune systems aren’t fully developed. On the other hand, it rarely affects healthy individuals. P. aeruginosa was first discovered in cystic fibrosis patients and has come a long way since its discovery. The virulence factors are due to the bacterium’s intrinsic resistance and its mechanisms of resistance which will be described later.

Aerobic, gram-negative rods that are motile by polar flagella, either single or tufts. P. aeruginosa produces a soluble, blue green pigmentation. These bacteria are commonly found in soil and water. P. aeruginosa is an opportunistic organism which can infect the urinary tract, burns, and wounds, and can cause sepsis, abscesses, and meningitis (Tortora, Funke, Case, 2010).

Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why you think it is important.

Genome structure

Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence?

Pseudomonads synthesize an unusually large number of enzymes and can metaolize a wide variety of substrates. Therefore, they probably contribute significantly to the decoposition of uncommon chemicals, such as pesticides, that are added to soil. Pseudomonads are capable of growth in some antiseptics, such as quaternary ammonium commpounds. Their resistance to most antibiotics has also been a source of medical concern. This resistance is probably related to the characteristics of the cell wall porins, which control the entrace of molecules through the cell wall. The large pump systems that ejec t antibiotics from the cell before they can function. Pseudonomads are responsible for about one in ten nosocomial infections. Although pseudomonads are classified aas aerobic, some are capable of substitutint nitrate for oxygen as a terminal electron acceptor. Anaerobic respiration, yields almost as much energy as aerobic respiration. In this way pseudomonads cause important losses of valuable nitrogen in fertilizer and soil (Tortora, Funke, Case, 2010).

Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

Ecology

Habitat; symbiosis; contributions to the environment.

Pathology

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

Current Research and or Application to Biotechnology

Enter summaries of the most recent research and/or application to biotechnology here--at least three required

References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Edited by student of Dr. Nighat P Kokan, Cardinal Stritch University http://www.stritch.edu