Pseudomonas
Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Pseudomonadota
Class: Gammaproteobacteria
Order: Pseudomonadales
Family: Pseudomonadaceae
Genus: Pseudomonas
The genus Pseudomonas comprises 140 species, most of which are saprophytic. 25 of those species are related to humans. It is a free-living bacterium that is ubiquitous in nature. It is mostly found in moist environments. It is a gram-negative bacterium.
It measures roughly 0.5 to 0.8, μm by 1.5 to 3.0 μm. It is aerobic, rod shaped and possesses a flagellum. The flagella provides motility to the bacterium. The standard temperature for the growth of Pseudomonads is 25° C to 37° C.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas maltophilia are the most infectious species, causing about 80% of the diseases caused by Pseudomonads. A Pseudomonas infection is very common in hospital patients suffering with cystic fibrosis, cancer and burns. It infects the urinary tract, open wounds, eyes, ears and skin. It also causes bacteremia (the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream). The spread of these organisms can be prevented by repetitive cleaning and disinfection.
Staphylococcus
Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Bacillota
Class: Bacilli
Order: Bacillales
Family: Staphylococcaceae
Genus: Staphylococcus
Staphylococcus is a genus of gram-positive bacteria that are facultative anaerobes. Almost 40 species of these bacteria are known. They are cocci-shaped with a diameter of 0.5 – 1.0 μm. They tend to grow in clusters or short chains. They are commensals to humans and other animals.
S. aureus is the most infectious species of the genera that causes styes, boils, furuncles, impetigo and skin infections in humans. It is the most common cause of nosocomial (acquired from hospitals) infections.
Pseudomonas vs. Staphylococcus
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Pseudomonas |
Staphylococcus |
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Shape of the Bacteria |
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Rod |
Cocci |
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Size of the Bacteria |
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It measures roughly 0.5 to 0.8, μm by 1.5 to 3.0 μm |
It has a diameter of 0.5 – 1.0 μm |
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Type of Bacteria |
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Gram-negative |
Gram-positive |
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Known Species |
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Around 140 species are known. |
Around 40 species are known. |
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Oxygen Requirement |
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Pseudomonas is exclusively aerobic. |
Staphylococcus is an facultative anaerobe, meaning it can survive in both presence and absence of oxygen. |
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Infections Caused |
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It causes infections in the urinary tract, eyes, ear and skin. |
It primarily infects the skin causing furuncles, boils and styes. |
Visit BYJU’S Biology for more interesting topics.
Also Read:
- Infectious Diseases: Types, Causes, Symptoms And Preventions
- Morphology, Different shapes of bacterial cell
- Difference between E. Coli and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of a pseudomonas infection?
It causes pain and discharge in the ear, rash and pus on skin, and redness and swelling in eyes.
What antibiotic covers Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas?
The antibiotic vancomycin covers both the genera.
What kills Pseudomonas naturally?
Application of Manuka honey (medical grade) kills Pseudomonas naturally.
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