What is the Difference Between Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Pseudomonas Putida?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas putida are both Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria belonging to the Pseudomonas genus. However, they differ in several aspects, including their habitat, pathogenicity, and antimicrobial resistance.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa:

Pathogenic: P. aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen, causing various infections, especially in immunocompromised patients and those with chronic lung diseases.
Antimicrobial resistance: P. aeruginosa is known for its intrinsic resistance to many antimicrobial agents and is a leading cause of bacterial keratitis, a severe eye infection.

Pseudomonas putida:

Environmental: P. putida is a saprophytic soil bacterium, commonly found in various environmental niches such as soil and water-associated habitats.
Pathogenicity: P. putida is less virulent compared to P. aeruginosa and primarily causes infections in patients undergoing invasive procedures or those with compromised immune systems.
Antimicrobial resistance: P. putida is generally more sensitive to antimicrobial agents compared to P. aeruginosa, and infections caused by P. putida are rarely seen in clinics.

In recent years, the isolation rate of P. putida has increased, and the emergence of multi-drug resistant and even extensively drug-resistant strains has been observed. Both P. aeruginosa and P. putida can function as platforms for antibiotic resistance gene exchange, but the frequency of this exchange and its clinical relevance are not yet fully understood.

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What is the Difference Between Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Pseudomonas Putida?

Comparative Table: Pseudomonas Aeruginosa vs Pseudomonas Putida

Here is a table comparing the differences between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas putida:

Characteristic	Pseudomonas aeruginosa	Pseudomonas putida
Infection sites	Commonly found in hospitals and can cause various infections	Rarely results in infection, primarily in patients undergoing invasive procedures or immunocompromised hosts
Antimicrobial resistance	Generally more resistant to antibiotics	Less resistant to antibiotics compared to P. aeruginosa
Environmental niches	Ubiquitous in moist environments, such as soil, water, and plants	Frequently encountered in various environmental niches
Pathogenic potential	Higher virulence and more commonly associated with infections	Relatively lower virulence and fewer infections reported

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a more virulent and antibiotic-resistant bacterium, while Pseudomonas putida is less likely to cause infections and exhibits lower antimicrobial resistance. Both bacteria are found in various environmental niches, but Pseudomonas aeruginosa is more commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.