Wounds infected with P. aeruginosa have a distinctive odor resembling grape soda or fresh corn tortillas. This odor is caused by the 2-aminoacetophenone that is used by P. aeruginosa in quorum sensing and contributes to its pathogenicity. Wounds infected with certain strains of P. aeruginosa also produce a blue-green pus due to the pigments pyocyanin and pyoverdin, which also contribute to its virulence. Pyocyanin and pyoverdin are siderophores that help P. aeruginosa survive in low-iron environments by enhancing iron uptake. P. aeruginosa also produces several other virulence factors, including phospholipase C (a hemolysin capable of breaking down red blood cells), exoenzyme S (involved in adherence to epithelial cells), and exotoxin A (capable of causing tissue necrosis). Other virulence factors include a slime that allows the bacterium to avoid being phagocytized, fimbriae for adherence, and proteases that cause tissue damage.

Virulence Factors of P. aeruginosa (Otitis externa)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic, gram-negative bacillus characterized by a lophotrichous arrangement of flagella, meaning it has a tuft of flagella at one end of the cell. It is known to cause various infections in humans, including swimmer's ear (otitis externa) and infections in burn wounds.

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Also known as swimmers ear, is an infection of the ear canal that causes itching, redness, and discomfort, and can progress to fever, pain, and swelling.

Otitis externa

Lophotrichous flagella are arranged as a tuft at one end of a bacterial cell. An example of a bacterium with this configuration is *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, a gram-negative bacillus and opportunistic pathogen that causes infections such as swimmer's ear and burn wound infections.

Lophotrichous Flagella

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

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Itching, redness, discomfort of ear canal, progressing to fever, pain, and swelling. 

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