Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacteria in Upper Respiratory Specimens: A Diagnostic Dilemma – An Experience from a Clinical Referral Laboratory

Pseudomonas aeruginosa persists as a dreaded organism causing increased mortality both in developing and industrialized countries. Published literature elaborates novel rapid molecular diagnostics and strategies for discovering newer antibiotics for this highly resistant organism. It is also an established fact that the primary focus of infection remains unknown in majority of the cases. Unfortunately there exists a paucity of data from outpatient clinics and stand-alone referral laboratories. Such a system of health care delivery is common in many parts of the world including United Arab Emirates. This article enlists two paediatric clinical cases which elucidate early Pseudomonas diagnosis in the community leading to prompt treatment and recuperation. The role played by referral diagnostic laboratories needs to be discussed in the context of existing guidelines, local epidemiology and healthcare practices. We would like to add a microbiologist ’ s perspective and emphasize on prompt identification and susceptibility pattern, in a community setting by referral diagnostic laboratories. The relevance of whether a bacterium is pathogenic/colonizer/contaminant need to be understood with clarity which will be helpful during the evolution of the newer guidelines. This article also elaborates on the effective communication between clinicians and laboratory which is the invaluable for any robust health care system.

Author(s): Renuka Upadhyaya, Jagadeesha M and Samith Alva

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