Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Nosocomial Infections

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a rod-shaped, Gram-negative bacterium in the family Pseudomonadaceae that is native to soil and water environments. It is also found in other unlikely places, including surgical equipment and on the hands of hospital personnel. This chapter discusses how multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa plays a significant role in hospital-associated opportunistic infections. MDR P. aeruginosa strains are primarily responsible for the high global prevalence of opportunistic pneumonia, bloodborne, and surgical wound infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Key mechanisms of resistance in MDR P. aeruginosa can be intrinsic, acquired, and genetic. Addressing antimicrobial drug resistance requires stewardship, hygiene practices, and combining antimicrobials due to limited therapeutic options. Future attempts may involve leveraging multidisciplinary techniques in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and machine learning to improve understanding and management of drug resistance. Novel therapies, vaccine development, and global surveillance are also useful.