Pseudomonas pyocyaneus is a bacterium known for its green pigment and sweet odor. The spelling of this word can be a challenge due to its tricky pronunciation. The first part "Pseudo-" is pronounced /su:dəʊ/ (SOO-doh) and means "false." "Monas" is pronounced /ˈmɒ.nəs/ (MAH-nuhs) and means "unit." "Pyocyaneus" is pronounced /paɪ.əʊ.saɪˈæn.i.əs/ (PY-oh-sahy-an-ee-uhs) and means "blue-green." Together, the correct pronunciation of Pseudomonas pyocyaneus is /su:dəʊ.mə.nəs paɪ.əʊ.saɪˈæn.i.əs/ (SOO-doh-mah
Pseudomonas pyocyaneus is a bacterium that belongs to the Pseudomonadaceae family. It is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria that is commonly found in various moist environments, including soil, water, and plants. The bacterium is named for the blue-green pigment, pyocyanin, that it produces, giving it a distinctive color.
Pseudomonas pyocyaneus is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause infections in humans, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. It is frequently associated with hospital-acquired infections, such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and wound infections. In some cases, it can also cause bloodstream infections, which can be life-threatening.
One of the characteristic features of Pseudomonas pyocyaneus is its ability to produce a variety of extracellular toxins and enzymes, including proteases and cytotoxic factors. These factors contribute to the bacterium's ability to invade host tissues and cause damage. Pseudomonas pyocyaneus is also known for its resistance to commonly used antibiotics, making treatment challenging.
Laboratory diagnosis of Pseudomonas pyocyaneus infections involves culturing the bacteria from clinical samples, such as blood, urine, or wound swabs. Identification is based on the bacterium's distinctive colony appearance, as well as biochemical testing and genetic analysis.
In summary, Pseudomonas pyocyaneus is a gram-negative bacterium that can cause opportunistic infections in humans. Its ability to produce toxins, resistance to antibiotics, and distinctive blue-green pigment make it a notable pathogen. Timely and appropriate treatment is essential in managing infections caused by this bacterium.
Bacillus pyocyaneus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Pseudomonas pyocyaneus" has a Greek and Latin etymology.
- "Pseudomonas" comes from the Greek word "pseudos" which means "false" or "deceptive", and the Latin word "monas" which means "unit" or "organism". In microbiology, "monas" is used to refer to a bacterium. Therefore, "Pseudomonas" can be understood as "false organism" or "deceptive bacterium".
- "Pyocyaneus" is derived from the Greek word "pyon" which means "pus" and the Greek word "kyaneos" which means "blue". Thus, "Pyocyaneus" can be translated as "pus-colored" or "blue pus".
Together, "Pseudomonas pyocyaneus" can be interpreted as "deceptive bacterium producing blue pus".