[Role of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in Infection in Burn Patients]

The regular finding of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Burns Units has always been a source of worries. Following a brief review of the natural history of this micro-organism, the authors examine all possible therapeutic measures. They underline the importance of measures aimed at controlling environmental and epidemiological factors and at improving surveillance. These measures, together with baths, topical applications of antibacterial agents and prophylactic vaccination and serotherapy tend to circumscribe the infection. When therapeutic measures are not as effective as expected and natural defences collapse, sepsis develops with clinical features that male diagnosis uneasy. The conditions in which antibiotics are given are peculiar in burned patients, and the therapeutic approach to Pseudomonas infections is particularly difficult in such cases.