Final answer:
Outbreaks of Pseudomonas mastitis are often linked to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is found in water, soil, and clinical environments, and can cause infections due to its antibiotic resistance and ability to thrive on surfaces and medical equipment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The source of Pseudomonas mastitis outbreaks is often associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a gram-negative, oxidase-positive, aerobic bacillus that thrives in water and soil, and can be found on human skin. This opportunistic pathogen is known for causing infections in various parts of the body, including the skin and eyes. Notably, in clinical settings, P. aeruginosa can be a common cause of nosocomial infections such as pneumonia or septicemia, particularly in immunocompromised individuals like newborn babies. The bacterium's resistance to antibiotics is often due to its ability to produce β-lactamases, mutations that affect porins, and mechanisms to pump antibiotics out of the cell. Outbreaks of Pseudomonas mastitis in clinical environments, such as hospitals, can be linked to contaminated surfaces, medical equipment, and water systems such as sinks, which can harbor the bacteria for prolonged periods, posing a risk of infection to patients.