Pseudomonas aeruginosa

What is Pseudomonas aeruginosa?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacteria with characteristics that make it a hospital bacteria or superbug. We refer to bacteria this way when they have become so resistant that they have developed resistance to various treatments. A significant portion of Pseudomonas strains are known to be antibiotic-resistant, making infections difficult to treat [1]. These infections can occur in the respiratory tract, blood, ear, or even the heart. The bacteria are most harmful to people who are already weakened, such as those who are ill or have a weakened immune system.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa characteristics and challenges

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be classified into two groups based on its properties: the antibiotic-resistant group and the antibiotic-sensitive group [2].

• When Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria are resistant, they pass this trait on. They do this vertically, from mother cell to daughter cell. Unlike humans and animals, microorganisms can also transfer genetic material, such as resistance, to other microorganisms in their environment (horizontally).
• Even if a Pseudomonas bacteria is antibiotic-sensitive, tackling it in problem areas remains challenging. In the food industry, for example, antibiotics are not an option. In livestock farming, it can be used, but recontamination, for instance through drinking water, is a constant threat, which often negates the effect.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the food industry

As a producer in the food industry, you may encounter Pseudomonas aeruginosa on your product during quality control. The bacteria cause food to spoil and can be dangerous to consumers. It's important to note that this bacteria is always a red flag. During quality control, not all possible bacteria are checked, as there are too many. However, the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in systems and on products is specifically sought because it is easy to detect. If you find the bacteria, it almost certainly means that more bacteria and other microorganisms are present. In most cases, the cause is found in the process water and pipelines. In pipes where water often stands still, biofilms can form, containing stubborn bacteria such as Salmonella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Tackling Pseudomonas aeruginosa in water 

In both the food industry and livestock farming, the source of the bacteria is often traced back to process water or drinking water for livestock. The bacteria can reach the nipples or drinking bowls via the pipes, infecting the animals and spreading quickly. Treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa with antibiotics is not a solution. However, Watter treatment is. It is a method to safely make drinking water free from many harmful bacteria. Watter is a device that produces an environmentally friendly, biodegradable solution that can be used in drinking water for animals or in the processing or production of food products.

The Watter system uses electrolysis to convert water and salt into a disinfectant. After the electrochemical reaction, HOCl becomes the most active substance in the water, which eliminates pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and viruses that cause damage in livestock farming, the food industry, and healthcare.

Proven effectiveness against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in systems

Whether it involves systems processing potatoes, glue production installations, or the disinfection of surfaces and spaces, Watter removes Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other pathogens, including (hospital) bacteria. Watter has been tested by TNO and is registered on the European Article 95 list for active substances (PT1-5).

Referenties:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25164-pseudomonas-infection

2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21655-antibiotic-resistance