Why is Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa a Priority Pathogen?

Jason Pogue, PharmD, BCPS-ID, Clinical Pharmacist, Infectious Diseases, Sinai-Grace Hospital, explains why Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the World Health Organization’s critical priority pathogens for new research and development priorities.

Interview Transcript (slightly modified for readability)

“I think the reason that multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas [aeruginosa] is one of [the World Health Organization’s priority pathogens], is just because of how many patients it impacts. You pick your favorite anti-Pseudomonal beta-lactam antibiotic and you’re looking at about 15-20% resistance, and so, from a sheer numbers standpoint, it impacts a very large number of our patients. The other feature is that it tends to cause very invasive infections, [such as] pneumonias.”

DISCLOSURES: Jason Pogue is a Consultant for Merck, Allergan, Med Co, Shionogi, Zavante, Achaogen. This study was supported by a grant from Merck.