Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped bacterium which is considered to be an opportunistic pathogen of poultry.
Birds most at risk of P. aeruginosa infection are those with suppressed immune systems. However, even healthy birds can acquire an infection if the bacterium gets into their bloodstream through a break in the epithelium due to trauma, and/or the bacterium is present in sufficiently large numbers.

Where Found: P. aeruginosa is ubiquitous in nature, and is able to thrive in a wide variety of environments and nutrient sources, including both aerobic and anaerobic growth. It favors moist environments, and is frequently found in water hoses, sinks and showers, natural water sources (lakes, streams, rivers), hot tubs, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Antibiotic Susceptibility: P. aeruginosa infection can be difficult to treat, because the bacterium is resistant to commonly used antimicrobial agents. The antibiotics most often used include ceftazidime, cefepime, aminoglycosides (amikacinm, tobramycin, gentamicin), fluoroquinolones (Baytril), and extended-spectrum penicillins (piperacillin, ticarcillin).