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Article: Pseudomonas
- Article from:
- World of Microbiology and Immunology
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Pseudomonas
The genus
Pseudomonas
is made up of Gram-negative, rodshaped
bacteria
that inhabit many niches.
Pseudomonas
species are common inhabitants of the soil, water, and vegetation. The genus is particularly noteworthy because of the tendency of several species to cause infections in people who are already ill, or whose immune systems are not operating properly. Such infections are termed opportunistic infections.
Pseudomonas
rarely causes infections in those whose immune systems are fully functional. The disease-causing members of the genus are therefore prevalent where illness abounds.
Pseudomonas
are one of the major causes of nosocomial (hospital acquired) infections.
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