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Not only legionella, but also pseudomonads can cause life-threatening pneumonia

An infestation of water pipes with Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause life-threatening pneumonia in immunocompromised and/or ventilated patients in hospitals, including premature babies.


According to the recommendation of the German Federal Environment Agency, the drinking water in hospitals should therefore be regularly tested for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The limit value of zero colony-forming units in 100 ml of drinking water must not be exceeded.


Unfortunately, the pathogens often develop antibiotic resistance: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the twelve most dangerous, multi-resistant germs.


Swiss scientists have recently discovered how the bacterium outwits the human immune system.





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