Infrequently Encountered Pseudomonas Species Causing Infection in Humans

Abstract

Although many nonfermentative, Gram-negative bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas are saprophytes and contaminate human clinical specimens, it has become increasingly apparent that these microorganisms may also serve as pathogens under certain conditions. The clinical significance and antimicrobial susceptibilities of infrequently encountered Pseudomonas species, identified according to current schemata, are examined. Seventeen cases are cited in which strains of P. putida, P. fluorescens, P. cepacia, P. pseudoalcaligenes, P. putrefaciens, P. stutzeri, and P. maltophilia were isolated in pure culture and were judged to be responsible for the infectious process. Some of these species were highly resistant to antibiotics, and there was no single antibiotic to which all species were susceptible.