Final answer:
In 2000, over 100 pedicure clients in California were infected by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which thrived in inadequately maintained pedicure bath water.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 2000, a number of pedicure clients in California experienced infections due to the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This gram-negative bacterium is an opportunistic pathogen that can be found in environments such as water and soil. It is also commonly located on human skin. P. aeruginosa is known for causing infections in wounds and burns and is capable of thriving in inadequately chlorinated water, such as that found in hot tubs or swimming pools. In the case of the pedicure clients, the bacterium likely proliferated in the water of pedicure baths which were not maintained properly, leading to infections in over 100 clients.