Antimicrobial therapy for Pseudomonas aeruginosa - Therapeutic issues; resistance; pneumonia; endocarditis; and infections of the GI tract, bone and joint, and urinary tract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that rarely causes disease in healthy persons. Numerous underlying diseases (cystic fibrosis) or predisposing factors (burns, mechanical ventilation) are linked to P aeruginosa infection, but neutropenia is the risk factor most frequently associated with severe infections. Antibiotic selection for treatment of P aeruginosa is often problematic. The investigators review the therapeutic considerations and research findings related to antibiotic selection for pseudomonal infection, treatment issues related to P aeruginosa pneumonia, endocarditis, gastrointestinal infections, bone and joint infections, and urinary tract infections.