The Role of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in Infections About the Nails

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been accepted as the causative agent in certain cases of external otitis, otitis media, meningitis, septicemia, infant diarrhea, and in some genitourinary infections. It has seldom been considered as more than a secondary invader of devitalized tissue in skin lesions in which it was found. We have studied four cases in which it was difficult to relegate the role of Pseudomonas to that of a secondary invader. The infection began about the nail in all cases. Good therapeutic results were obtained only when agents to which Pseudomonas was sensitive were used. Case1.—A 45-year-old housewife had a paronychial infection of the middle finger of the right hand of one year's duration. The involved nail was discolored blue-black and green. Incision and drainage of this area had been performed because of cellulitis, and penicillin was subsequently administered. Because of the discoloration of the nail, Pseudomonas infection