Can Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Be Sexually Transmitted?
Based on current scientific understanding, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa is not typically classified as a sexually transmitted infection. It is primarily spread through contact with contaminated water or surfaces, or through person-to-person contact in healthcare settings.
What Is Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ?
Pseudomonas Aerugliosa is a gram-negative bacteria. It thrives in various environments and uses organic chemicals as its carbon sources [1]. In humans, this bacterium has been found to cause opportunistic infections in individuals with weakened immune systems [2].
This bacterium is known for its metabolic versatility and adaptability.
It's primarily known for causing respiratory and urinary tract infections, but it can also affect other parts of the body.
Pseudomonas Aerugliosa has been identified as a major cause of death in patients with cystic fibrosis, a disease causing various respiratory symptoms. The bacterium causes chronic respiratory infections, and produces a mucoid substance known as alginate that can hinder the effectiveness of antibiotics [3, 4].
In addition, it has also been associated with infections like ventilator-acquired pneumonia, especially in immunocompromised hosts [5].
Further, Pseudomonas Aerugliosa has been associated with chronic wound infections such as pyoderma gangrenosum. In particular, patients who have received bone marrow transplants [6]. It can also cause infections in the urinary tract and is a common cause of hospital-acquired, or nosocomial, infections [7].
Unfortunately, Pseudomonas Aerugliosa is quite resistant to many antibiotics, meaning the infections caused by Pseudomonas Aerugliosa are difficult to treat. This resistance, along with the bacterium's ability to form biofilms and its production of various virulence factors, contributes to its pathogenicity and the persistence of infections [8, 9].
How Can Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Be Transmitted?
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa can be transmitted in numerous ways. One example of such is the transmission of this bacterium through the air. In fact, from laboratory studies, we know that it can survive within droplet nuclei and remain suspended within aerosols for a longer period, hence “travelling” some distance [10].
Another potential way of transmission is through water. Pseudomonas Aeruginosa can colonize hospital water supplies including taps and sinks. In such settings, the bacteria can be transmitted from water to patients, especially during the cleaning of medical equipment with water colonized by Pseudomonas Aeruginosa.
In addition, one study on female mice found that Pseudomonas Aeruginosa can colonize the genital tract and lead to infertility. The bacteria were also found to reduce sperm motility and viability [11].
Transmission can also be facilitated through direct contact. In particular, cases of transmission between patients with cystic fibrosis sharing a hospital room or family members living in close contact have been reported [12].
Lastly, P. Aeruginosa can invade and breach the respiratory epithelial barrier from within, providing another potential route of transmission [13].
Can Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Be Sexually Transmitted?
There is limited evidence suggesting that Pseudomonas Aeruginosa can be transmitted sexually. However, one case report describes P. aeruginosa transmission through close contact, which could include sexual contact.
However in a case of a 68-year-old man, who presented urethritis and a purulent discharge. The microglial investigation revealed that the underlying cause was Pseudomonas Aeruginosa [14]. This case suggests that Pseudomonas Aeruginosa can cause urogenital infections that may be mistaken for sexually transmitted infections.
However, it's important to note that such cases do not definitively establish sexual transmission of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bacteria could have been introduced to the genital area through other means, such as poor hygiene or contaminated medical equipment.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is believed to be transmitted through air, direct contact or water[10, 12, 11].