Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a frequent and virulent pulmonary pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis. If colonization is not prevented, P aeruginosa becomes permanently established and nearly always mutates into a mucoid strain. The alginate-containing matrix of the mucoid strain is thought to allow the formation of protected microcolonies and provide increased resistance to opsonization, phagocytosis, and destruction by antibiotics. As a result, conversion to the mucoid phenotype is associated with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. In the microbiology laboratory, mucoid P aeruginosa has a distinct Gram stain and culture appearance that can expedite its identification and facilitate appropriate patient management. Important aspects of the mucoid phenotype are reviewed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 32-34 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | American journal of clinical pathology |
Volume | 128 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2007 |
Keywords
- Culture
- Cystic fibrosis
- Gram stain
- Microbiology
- Mucoid
- Pseudomonas
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine