Pseudomonas fluorescens is a gram-negative bacterium commonly found in decaying organic material. It has potential applications in bioremediation, plant growth, and antibiotic production, but is also a common source of food contamination and can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals.
Pseudomonas fluorescens is a gram negative bacterium in a genus of bacteria commonly found in decaying organic material such as leaves and decaying earth. These bacteria are common sources of food contamination and have a number of potential applications that make them subjects of interest in the laboratory setting. Samples of Pseudomonas fluorescens for study are available from some companies that supply stabilized bacteria for research in samples designed to be free of contaminants.
These bacteria are aerobic, require oxygen to survive, and have flagella, small hair-like structures used for motility. As the name suggests, they contain fluorescent pigments. Pseudomonas fluorescens is of interest and concern in hospital settings because the bacteria are known to resist many antibiotics and antiseptic products. In patients with healthy immune systems, these bacteria can often exist peacefully on or in the body, but in people with compromised immune systems, they can become dangerous. Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria have been linked to infections in cancer patients, particularly in the case of biofilms colonizing intravenous lines. In rare cases, these bacteria have infected the bloodstream, causing bacteremia, a condition that can lead to complications such as shock.
These bacteria also make their own antibiotic, a compound known as mupirocin. This antibiotic has some potential applications in treating skin and ear infections. Furthermore, the colonization of Pseudomonas fluorescens can be beneficial for plants. Having these bacteria in a root system can help plants resist fungal infections and can help plants absorb nutrients more effectively. These two positive uses of the bacterium have been explored in numerous laboratories.
Pseudomonas fluorescens has another trick up its sleeve. These bacteria can break down a variety of contaminants including plastics and can be useful for bioremediation programs. In such programs, bacteria are introduced into contaminated areas to clean them up. These bacteria are beneficial because presumably once they run out of contaminants, they could linger to help newly established plants develop a foothold and grow in a healthy environment.
In foods, Pseudomonas fluorescens is a common contaminant, especially as it actively enjoys lower temperatures such as those found in refrigerators. Dairy products are particularly vulnerable to Pseudomonas fluorescens contamination. The use of regular testing to check for contaminants, as well as checks in facilities where food is produced, is critical to identifying contaminants and halting production until they can be treated as contaminated products are extracted before they have the ability to enter the supply chain.
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