Pseudomonas spp

From Felipedia

Pseudomonads are a known pathogen that can cause bacterial diseases in cats, particularly respiratory infections.

These bacteria are aerobic, gram-negative rods with polar flagella. They are oxidase positive, in contrast to Enterobacteriaceae. These organisms are found in most environments including in water and soil and air. Among the genus Pseudomonas, the majority of infections are caused by P. aeruginosa, although other related organisms also cause disease. Pseudomonads are opportunistic pathogens[1].

Resistance of pseudomonads to various antibiotics is a problem. Two such drugs simultaneously are often employed for up to 6 weeks, either by mouth or intravenously. Eye infections are treated with antibiotic drops. In the case of infections of deep tissues such as in the brain, joints or bone, surgery to remove damaged tissue may be required. Moreover, amputation may be necessary in infections of the limbs of burns patients or those with infected wounds.

The toxicity of pseudomonads results from production of Toxin A which ADP ribosylates elongation factor-2 (EF2 - used in protein synthesis). In this, pseudomonad toxin is similar to diphtheria toxin.