Chronic wound infections: the role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
Chronic leg ulcers affect 1-2% of the general population and are related to increased morbidity and health costs. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most common bacteria isolated from chronic wounds. They can express virulence factors and surface proteins affecting wound healing. The co-infection of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa is more virulent than single infection. In particular, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa have both intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance, making clinical management of infection a real challenge, particularly in patients with comorbidity. Therefore, a correct and prompt diagnosis of chronic wound infection requires a detailed knowledge of skin bacterial flora. This is a necessary prerequisite for tailored pharmacological treatment, improving symptoms, and reducing side effects and antibiotic resistance.
Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology (CIFL), International Research and Educational Program in Clinical and Experimental Biotechnology, Headquarters: University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
Raffaele
R
Serra
Raffaele
R
Grande
Lucia
L
Butrico
Alessio
A
Rossi
Ugo Francesco
UF
Settimio
Benedetto
B
Caroleo
Bruno
B
Amato
Luca
L
Gallelli
Stefano
S
de Franciscis
D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000382:microbiology; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000382:microbiology*
Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Staphylococcus aureus; antibiotics; chronic leg ulcers; chronic wounds