Question

Several individuals who frequently swim at a local community pool have developed infections. Some have developed a skin rash and others have developed a painful infection of the outer ear canal. What is the most likely etiologic agent?

Answer 1

Answer:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Explanation:

The important points that have been mentioned in the question are -

• Individuals swim at a local community pool.
• Skin rash have been found in some.
• Painful infections of the outer ear canal have also been found.

All these facts indicate that the etiologic agent is most likely Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

It is a rod-shaped gram positive bacteria and an infectious agent.

It is found in soil and water.

In skin it mainly infects the hair follicles due to which redness in the skin is seen.

It can also infect the external ear canal in which swelling, ear pain and itching inside the ear like symptoms are found.