Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa : an opportunistic bacterium... but with a lot of potential (and style)! It's found almost everywhere: in soil, water, damp surfaces... and even in some poorly stored personal care products. Generally, it remains harmless to healthy people. But as soon as the immune system is weakened, it takes advantage and can become a real source of trouble!

This chameleon-like bacteria can cause lung and urinary tract infections (especially those related to catheters), wound infections (especially in burn victims), external ear infections, and, in the most serious cases, generalized sepsis. It doesn't mess around.

What makes it formidable: 1. It is super mobile thanks to its flagellum, 2. It loves humid and oxygenated environments, 3. It is resistant to many (too many) antibiotics… and develops new ones at high speed, 4. It forms biofilms (thick protective layers) which make it very difficult to eliminate, 5. It releases toxins and enzymes which damage tissues, 6. It easily colonizes hospital environments (beds, catheters, sinks… it settles everywhere).

To prevent it? Rigorous hygiene, disinfection of medical devices, rational use of antibiotics and increased vigilance among at-risk patients.

But don't judge it too quickly! Pseudomonas aeruginosa, despite its pathogenic side, is an ally in research and biotechnology:
– It helps study antibiotic resistance and chronic lung infections
– It produces pigments, antibiotics, antifungals and even anticancer molecules
– It is capable of degrading pollutants (hydrocarbons, heavy metals, etc.)
– And it is very useful in genetic engineering, because it is easy to manipulate!

So why not invite it onto your computer, notebook or water bottle with our unique sticker? Pseudomonas aeruginosa deserves a place in your collection!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

PUN: I'm a Pseudo-menace to humanity!