BACTERIAL RESISTANCE OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA IN HOSPITAL INFECTIONS

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance represents one of the greatest challenges in public health, especially in hospital infections. Among the most common pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa stands out due to its opportunistic nature, being capable of colonizing various tissues and exhibiting multiple resistance mechanisms, such as the production of β-lactamases, efflux pumps, porin alterations, and mutations in molecular targets. Robust governmental data reveal a high prevalence in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), with worrisome resistance rates, particularly to carbapenems, which limit therapeutic options and increase mortality. In this context, the aim was to highlight the main resistance mechanisms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as to provide an assessment of the current hospital scenario and the preventive measures, control protocols, and new therapeutic approaches. State of the art antibiotics and combination therapies represent promising alternatives in the face of the growing number of multidrug-resistant strains.